Jim Sterling has published a new video regarding what he believes is "the addictive cost of predatory video game monetization". In the half-hour long documentary, Sterling speaks about the impact of microtransactions and loot boxes and the effect they have on players. He looks "at the human cost of predatory monetization" and even speaks with a mobile studio CEO "whose tactics for hunting 'whales' sound scarily like instructions for selling drugs".
Aggressive monetization tactics have undoubtedly lowered the quality for many so-called "AAA" games. The shameless number of microtransactions and loot boxes have made them grinding and shallow "services" instead of complete videogames.
When we talk about the impact microtransactions and loot boxes have on players, however, we often argue in abstract terms. Not today. Today we look at the human cost of predatory monetization - the impact that exploitative business models have on their vulnerable targets.
It's a fascinating look at the entire lootbox issue as a whole. See if you agree and leave us your thoughts in the comments.
Thanks for the tip, coolit!
