What are the most important considerations when testing game loot boxes for different player expectations?

1 Types of loot boxes

There are different types of loot boxes that vary in their content, cost, frequency, and transparency. For example, some loot boxes may contain only cosmetic items, while others may offer gameplay advantages or progression boosts. Some loot boxes may be free or earned through playing, while others may require real money or premium currency. Some loot boxes may show the odds of getting each reward, while others may keep them hidden or vague. These factors can influence how players perceive the value, fairness, and ethics of loot boxes, and how likely they are to purchase or use them. Therefore, testing game loot boxes should consider the type of loot box and how it fits the game's genre, target audience, and monetization strategy.

3 Player feedback

Player feedback is a vital source of information for testing game loot boxes, as it can reveal how players react to and interact with loot boxes, and what issues or suggestions they have. Player feedback can be obtained through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, user testing, analytics, or online reviews and comments. However, player feedback can also be biased, inconsistent, or inaccurate, depending on the sample size, selection, timing, and format of the feedback. Therefore, testing game loot boxes should consider the quality and reliability of the player feedback, and how to interpret and apply it to improve the game's design, balance, and performance.

4 Legal and ethical issues

Loot boxes are often subject to legal and ethical scrutiny, as they may involve gambling, addiction, exploitation, or deception. Different countries and regions may have different laws and regulations regarding loot boxes, such as banning them, restricting them, or requiring them to disclose the odds or the value of the rewards. Moreover, different players and stakeholders may have different opinions and expectations regarding the morality and responsibility of loot boxes, such as whether they are fair, transparent, optional, or harmful. Therefore, testing game loot boxes should consider the legal and ethical issues and how to comply with them, or avoid them, while maintaining the game's quality and profitability.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?