A4 Article in conference proceedings
An Ethical Perspective on Loot Box Purchasing : Examining Psychosocial Antecedents and the Association with Indebtedness (2023)

Nyrhinen, J., Sirola, A., Frank, L., Nuckols, J., & Wilska, T.-A. (2023). An Ethical Perspective on Loot Box Purchasing : Examining Psychosocial Antecedents and the Association with Indebtedness. In A. Pucihar, M. Kljajić Borštnar, R. Bons, G. Ongena, M. Heikkilä, & D. Vidmar (Eds.), 36th Bled eConference : Digital Economy and Society : The Balancing Act for Digital Innovation in Times of Instability (pp. 301-318). University of Maribor. https://doi.org/10.18690/um.fov.4.2023.19

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Nyrhinen, Jussi; Sirola, Anu; Frank, Lauri; Nuckols, Julia; Wilska, Terhi-Anna

Parent publication: 36th Bled eConference : Digital Economy and Society : The Balancing Act for Digital Innovation in Times of Instability

Parent publication editors: Pucihar, Andreja; Kljajić Borštnar, Mirjana; Bons, Roger; Ongena, Guido; Heikkilä, Marikka; Vidmar, Doroteja

Conference:

Place and date of conference: Bled, Slovenia, 25.-28.6.2023

eISBN: 978-961-286-751-5

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 26/06/2023

Pages range: 301-318

Number of pages in the book: 920

Publisher: University of Maribor

Publication country: Slovenia

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18690/um.fov.4.2023.19

Persistent website address: https://press.um.si/index.php/ump/catalog/book/786

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/88361

Abstract

Loot boxes are popular random reward mechanisms in digital games, attracting players to invest real money to enhance their gaming experiences. Loot boxes share striking similarities to gambling and might contribute to one’s economic strain, but more research is needed on the underlying vulnerabilities and motivational traits in loot box purchasing. This paper examines associations with self-reported increase in loot box purchasing and debt problems during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. International survey data were collected in 2021, consisting of Finnish, Swedish, and British respondents (N = 2,991) aged 18 to 75. Partial least squares modeling was used as an analytical technique. The findings bring valuable insight into the underlying psychosocial and motivational factors in loot box purchasing and its association with indebtedness.

Keywords: online games; players (non-music); consumer behaviour; buying behaviour; psychosocial factors; social relations; loneliness; problem gambling; resilience

Free keywords: loot box; indebtedness; resilience; loneliness; social relationships

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

JUFO rating: 1