loot boxes
Randomized purchase rewards
Loot boxes are virtual items in video games that contain randomized rewards—cosmetic items, characters, weapons, or other in-game content.
Players typically purchase them with real money or earn them through gameplay, then open them to discover what's inside.
The gambling-like mechanics have drawn regulatory scrutiny: The game was banned in Belgium over its loot boxes.
Also called gacha, after Japanese capsule-toy machines.
Reward for winning
- bonusReward beyond expectation
- cosmeticSurface-level appearance enhancer
- skinBody's outer layer
- itemSingle unit or article
unlockable · exclusive · limited edition · collectible · trophy · rare · legendary · duplicate
Betting on uncertain results
- addictionCompulsive substance reliance
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- predatoryExploiting the vulnerable
- exploitationSelfish use of others
ethics · legislation · consumer protection · underage · transparency · disclosure · ban · backlash
Sturdy shipping containers
- skinsOuter animal coverings
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
- keysLock-operating instruments
- unboxingRevealing packaged goods on camera
gacha · packs · drops · items · battle pass · currency · premium · seasonal
Likelihood of occurrence
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
- luckChance affecting outcomes
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
uncertainty · surprise · RNG · drop rate · guaranteed · weighted · roll · spin
Minor digital goods payment
- purchaseGoods obtained for payment
- in-appWithin the software itself
- pay-to-winBuying competitive edge
- spendingOutlaying of funds
currency · premium · virtual · freemium · whale · revenue · pricing · bundle
Collectible illustrated rectangles
- figurinesSmall ornamental sculptures
- stickersAdhesive-backed paper images
- pinsPointed sewing fasteners
- badgesWorn symbols of status
skins · emotes · sprays · voice lines · banners · charms · complete set · collection
prize
Reward for winning
item · unlockable · exclusive · limited edition · collectible · trophy · rare · legendary · duplicate · credits
gambling
Betting on uncertain results
- addictionCompulsive substance reliance
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- predatoryExploiting the vulnerable
exploitation · ethics · legislation · consumer protection · underage · transparency · disclosure · ban · backlash · scrutiny
crates
Sturdy shipping containers
unboxing · gacha · packs · drops · items · battle pass · currency · premium · seasonal · emotes
chance
Likelihood of occurrence
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
- luckChance affecting outcomes
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
gamble · uncertainty · surprise · RNG · drop rate · guaranteed · weighted · roll · spin · pull
microtransaction
Minor digital goods payment
- purchaseGoods obtained for payment
- in-appWithin the software itself
- pay-to-winBuying competitive edge
spending · currency · premium · virtual · freemium · whale · revenue · pricing · bundle · season pass
trading cards
Collectible illustrated rectangles
- figurinesSmall ornamental sculptures
- stickersAdhesive-backed paper images
- pinsPointed sewing fasteners
badges · skins · emotes · sprays · voice lines · banners · charms · complete set · collection · album
- gamingvideo games, buff, games, PlayStation 4, gameplay
- game mechanicslevels, rules, cooldown, points, health points
- sports gamesMadden NFL, NBA 2K, NHL, NBA Live, Wii Sports
- Gaming Cultureesports, streamers, tournaments, Discord, Twitch
- digital productsapp, apps, ebook, ebooks, software
- game monetizationin-app purchases, microtransactions, gacha, battle pass, season pass