How do you design a fair and engaging loot box system for your game?

Research is key. It's one thing going through data or other partially relevant information via Google or utilising other search engines. But you have to really see how end users interact with real-world loot box systems. Utilising platforms such as YouTube or getting hands-on with games that align with what you're working on will definitely give you insight into what works and what doesn't. Data comes from the players, and that's who you need to engage with or watch, to see the audience you may end up encountering as opposed to just targeting.

It's one thing going through data or other partially relevant information via Google or utilising other search engines. But you have to really see how end users interact with real-world loot box systems. And, know tour audience. research is key. you won't make everyone happy with one general direction, so maybe a personally catered approach to that specific player might work best .

I would structure a loot box based on the activity level of the player . Their frequency in the game and their level of skill. You want to reward loyal players , you don't want to give already skilled players too much of an advantage but you always want to bait some casual players to be more engaged and want to return . Loot boxes don't always have useful items which is understandable but if one has to acquire several loot boxes to maybe have a couple useful items, they may feel cheated. You won't make everyone happy with one general direction, so maybe a personally catered approach to that specific player might work best .

To design a fair and engaging loot box system, balance your in-game economy by: Ensuring Fair Value: Provide valuable items and clearly define item rarity. Showing Odds: Transparently display probabilities of obtaining different item rarities. Rewarding Useful Items: Avoid junk; ensure even common items are valuable and balance power. Gathering Feedback: Regularly collect and use player feedback to make adjustments. Offering Free and Paid Options: Allow players to earn loot boxes through gameplay and offer paid alternatives without overshadowing the earnable ones. This approach keeps the system fair, engaging, and trustworthy.

Designing a fair loot box system means being transparent and ethical with your players by clearly disclosing item odds and avoiding any deceptive practices. Ensure compliance with legal regulations and respect age restrictions to maintain player trust. By prioritizing fairness and transparency, you create a more engaging experience while avoiding potential legal and reputational risks.