Latest News
Nearly half of gamers call for restrictions on Microtransactions
- 33% of gamers purchased a microtransaction (MTX) or loot box at least once a week, with 25-34 year olds most likely to purchase (45%)
- Xbox users are slightly more likely to make in-game purchases than PlayStation owners
- Call of Duty was labelled the worst offender for MTX by almost a third (29%) of gamers
The survey, commissioned by gaming publisher, WePC, reveals how gamers are feeling since the pandemic and follows the recent investigation on loot boxes in Belgium, as more European authorities consider banning them altogether.
Microtransactions and gambling
Over a third (33%) of UK gamers purchase a microtransaction or loot box at least once a week, with nearly 1 in 10 (8%) spending over £100 on each purchase occasion. Younger gamers aged 16-24 admitted to spending £17 above the national average of £36. Nearly two-thirds (60%) of this age group also claimed their gaming expenditure in general has seen an increase during the pandemic.
Although a large majority of respondents (69%) agreed that loot boxes promote gambling to younger gamers, only 19% called for them to be banned altogether. Users felt that along with the age limit, a cap on the amount that could be spent (43%) and restrictions on the impact paid content has on core gameplay (26%) would be more effective. Call of Duty was ranked the nation’s least favourite microtransaction offender (29%), followed by FIFA (28%) and Candy Crush (26%)
But some gamers claim it depends on the game in question.
“In COD, your MTX are based around gun skins and animations, so it doesn’t directly affect your abilities to play,” says Leeds-based gamer, Josh Allen.
“FIFA, on the other hand, makes multiplayer experiences so much worse. You can play against someone who has paid to have a better team, which makes them impossible to beat, even if they’re less skilled at the game. That’s why I’ve given up playing FIFA altogether. COD, on the other hand, you can pay for aesthetic but winning is still based on skill.”
Leeds was revealed to be the capital city of microtransactions too (42%), followed closely by Brighton (41%) and London (39%).
Plymouth’s gaming community were the least likely to make in-game purchases (21%), along with Glasgow (23%) and Southampton (24%).
Post-pandemic gaming
Whilst restrictions may have started easing in the UK, reduction in social interaction has had both a financial and emotional impact on gamers.
Nearly half (47%) have admitted their gaming expenditure has increased during the pandemic, with the majority of money going to new video games (38%), online subscriptions (19%) and gaming equipment (19%).
Around 1 in 5 Xbox, Mobile, Nintendo and PC gamers say they spend most of their gaming expenditure on microtransactions.
However, it was Nintendo users that spent the most on loot boxes compared to any other console, with an average of £56 spent per purchase. PC gamers followed closely behind, spending an average of £51 per MTX.
Sophie, an avid Animal Crossing fan and regular Nintendo gamer, has doubled her gaming expenditure since restrictions first came into place last year.
“I’m playing more games so making my way through my library quicker. I’m also buying games so that I can play online with friends and fill in that social gap.”
Will Blears, Marketing Director at WePC said:
“As gamers ourselves, we understand that gaming is skill-based experience and it’s clear from the research that gamers are currently forced to buy into MTX and loot boxes to gain advantages within that experience.”
“The European laws coming into place highlight the concern that is clear, from our survey data, is echoed around the gaming community. Loot boxes could definitely be a gateway into the darker side of gambling and creators need to factor in safety to make sure gaming continues to be enjoyable for all.”
Powered by WPeMatico
Angela Bernhard Thomas
CAPCOM’S STREET FIGHTERTM 6 GOING TO COLLEGE THIS FALL
- CSMG will create and operate College Street FighterTM Tour in North America for the 2024-25 academic year
- College conference Street Fighter 6 champions will punch their ticket to the national Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) & May Madness in 2025
Clark County
Clark County residents can bring a friend for free to next week’s Super Bingo $160,000 tournament at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, May 6-8
Home to downtown Las Vegas’ only bingo room, the Plaza Hotel & Casino is offering Clark County, Nevada residents who register to play in next week’s Super Bingo tournament the opportunity to bring a friend for free.
Happening Monday, May 6 through Wednesday, May 8 in the Plaza’s expansive ballroom, Super Bingo is expected to draw nearly 1,000 people from the local Las Vegas valley and across the country and Canada for the opportunity to win big playing fun-filled games of bingo over two days, with a $50,000 super coverall both days while socializing with like-minded bingo players.
Bingo-only registration is $160 per person, and Clark County residents who register can bring a friend for free. Registration is available online at https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/bingo/super-bingo-registration/. Hotel-and-bingo packages start at $300 for a four-night stay with no resort fee.
All Super Bingo players receive one 6-on paper pack for both days, two daubers, free drinks via an open bar at all sessions, boxed lunch both days, and $10 in free slot play after the first day’s session.
The Plaza’s Bingo room offers six daily bingo sessions at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and is located on the 3rd floor. By parking on the third floor of the Plaza’s self-parking garage, guests have convenient and direct access to the Plaza’s bingo room and parking is validated for bingo players.
Gambling in the USA
Kambi Group plc extends Mohegan partnership with on-property sports betting agreement in Pennsylvania
Kambi Group plc (“Kambi”), the world’s trusted sports betting partner, has agreed a long-term on-property sportsbook partnership with Mohegan to provide its award-winning sportsbook at two retail locations in the state of Pennsylvania.
The partnership will see Mohegan utilise Kambi’s cutting-edge retail sportsbook offering across more than 20 kiosks in sportsbook locations at Mohegan Pennsylvania and Mohegan Pennsylvania at Lehigh Valley Race and Sportsbook.
The deal further strengthens Kambi’s relationship with Mohegan, which already utilises Kambi’s suite of sports betting products at ilani in Washington, as well as online and on-property in the Canadian province of Ontario at Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.
Kristian Nylén, Kambi CEO and Co-founder, said: “With several successful partnerships with Mohegan already in place, we are pleased to agree this new partnership as we continue to build on our strong relationship.
“This latest deal further reinforces Kambi’s position as the sportsbook provider of choice for tribes across North America, and we look forward to our ongoing collaboration with Mohegan.”
Tony Carlucci, President & GM of Mohegan Pennsylvania, said: “Mohegan Pennsylvania is excited to continue utilising the same Kambi technology platform that existed under our Kindred partnership, which will help to create a seamless process as the Sportsbook at Mohegan Pennsylvania fully rebrands later this Spring.”
-
Balkans6 days ago
CT Gaming to Showcase its Latest Products at the Belgrade Future Gaming Exhibition
-
Australia6 days ago
Nerida O’Loughlin Reappointed as ACMA Chair
-
British Columbia Lottery Corporation6 days ago
SCCG Management Signs Contract with British Columbia Lottery Corporation
-
Latest News6 days ago
NetBet Casino Joins Forces with Habanero
-
Asia6 days ago
Indonesia Establishes Task Force to Combat Online Gambling
-
Latest News6 days ago
PRAGMATIC PLAY DROPS CANDY BLITZ BOMBS
-
BiS SiGMA Americas5 days ago
Sportingtech Places New Local Talent Front and Center at BiS SiGMA Americas
-
Africa5 days ago
Kiron Interactive strengthens Ethiopian performance with Hulu Sport deal