The Implications of Loot Boxes and Their Involvement in the Possible Development of Childhood Gambling Disorders

Abstract

“I refuse to promote the gacha system in this game anymore.” This was a comment made by a 13-year-old YouTuber named Michael “@mtashed” Tash with over 600,000 followers. Many of his followers are children who were likely drawn to his entertaining commentary on popular games such as Destiny, Dark Souls, and Genshin Impact. While the concept of a “gacha game” is likely unfamiliar to many clinicians, this phenomenon has significant relevance to child and adolescent psychiatry.