Brawl Stars Players' Perceptions After the Removal of Loot Boxes.
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| Title: | Brawl Stars Players' Perceptions After the Removal of Loot Boxes. |
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| Authors: | Sanmartín, Francisco J. (AUTHOR), Velasco, Judith (AUTHOR), Cuadrado, Fátima (AUTHOR), Moriana, Juan A. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. May2026, Vol. 42 Issue 9, p6645-6654. 10p. |
| Subjects: | Gambling behavior, User experience, Video game development, Multiplayer games, Video game design |
| Abstract: | Loot boxes (LBs) have become an essential dynamic in video games. However, their similarities with gambling have motivated video games, such as Brawl Stars (BS), to eliminate them, producing conflicting opinions. This study explored the perception of BS players using Google Play Store reviews and ratings to examine the impact of LBs removal on game experience. For this, 9,697 Google Play comments were reviewed, of which 662 were included. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: supporting LBs (92.1%), against LBs (5.1%), and mixed perspectives (2.8%). The main subthemes supporting LBs were opening experience (44.4%), game progression more expensive and time-consuming (44.1%), and status/esteem (0.3%). Players stated that eliminating LBs made the game lose its essence (27.9%), making it less accessible (8.4%) and difficult to understand (0.9%), reducing players' interest in the game (30.9%), and leading 21.7% to uninstall it. Our findings suggest that gambling-like dynamics have an impact on gaming experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Loot boxes (LBs) have become an essential dynamic in video games. However, their similarities with gambling have motivated video games, such as Brawl Stars (BS), to eliminate them, producing conflicting opinions. This study explored the perception of BS players using Google Play Store reviews and ratings to examine the impact of LBs removal on game experience. For this, 9,697 Google Play comments were reviewed, of which 662 were included. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: supporting LBs (92.1%), against LBs (5.1%), and mixed perspectives (2.8%). The main subthemes supporting LBs were opening experience (44.4%), game progression more expensive and time-consuming (44.1%), and status/esteem (0.3%). Players stated that eliminating LBs made the game lose its essence (27.9%), making it less accessible (8.4%) and difficult to understand (0.9%), reducing players' interest in the game (30.9%), and leading 21.7% to uninstall it. Our findings suggest that gambling-like dynamics have an impact on gaming experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10447318 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10447318.2025.2496031 |
