Cursed Knowledge #28: Casual Gambling in Videogames

April 18, 2024 | Harper Hunt | 6 Comments |

Cursed Knowledge is free for everyone to access. You can grab the mp3 file below, or you can subscribe at:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is spotify-podcast-badge-blk-grn-330x80-1-1.png

Cursed Knowledge is our podcast that explores how narratives, for better and worse, have shaped our world without us noticing. The world is full of people pushing their version of reality on us and it’s time to expose the truth. No matter how much you might wish we hadn’t.

Gambling is everywhere in our society, as ubiquitous as a smartphone. We all recognize gambling in apps like DraftKings, and most of us recognize gambling in apps like RobinHood. 

Harper shows us how to see it in … Fortnite?

Yep, “loot boxes” in videogames are as much a form of casual gambling as a slot machine. It’s all part of how gambling has become an invisible thread in every part of society’s fabric.

PS – You won’t believe how much kids spend on these things.

To learn more about Epsilon Theory and be notified when we release new content sign up here. You’ll receive an email every week and your information will never be shared with anyone else.

Comments

  1. Avatar for bhunt bhunt says:

    Great CK from Harper! You’re gonna like this one in an “I hate it” sort of way!

  2. I got pulled into gaming when my husband asked me to sign up for “Harry Potter: Wizards Unite” so he could have another in-game friend for a quest task. Yikes. I ended up dropping a load of money into HP:WU, but even with my help, Wizards Unite eventually went out of business. Niantic (HP:WU developer) also runs Pokemon Go.

    Another type of game that is popular on cell phones are “gacha” (pronounced “gotcha”) games, with game mechanics similar to Japanese vending machine games, as well as loot boxes.

  3. Should I start a new thread for this? This seems to be related, so I’ll drop a link here – it’s a substack about modern-day gamification, including a new (to me anyways) take on Ted Kaczynski with mention of the B.F. Skinner, Fermi Paradox, and more: Why Everything is Becoming a Game - by Gurwinder

    The above article mentions this gamified stairway experiment: [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw ] Initially I found the idea cute - reminding me of a scene from “Big” - if this was installed in Boston I’d find some way to get ornery about it after a while (probably just continue to keep using the escalator).

    From the substack conclusion: “Play games the 90-year-old you would be proud of having played.” :100:

  5. My favorite part about all the sports gambling that’s available is how even with all these new marks players companies like DraftKings still cannot manage to turn a profit.

Continue the discussion at the Epsilon Theory Forum

Participants

Avatar for bhunt Avatar for robh Avatar for harperhunt Avatar for chipperoo Avatar for Desperate_Yuppie

The Latest From Epsilon Theory

EPSILON CONNECT (8)

The Intentional Investor #3: Howard Lindzon

By Harper Hunt |
Cecil 4-3

Fidelity Reminds ETF Industry It Doesn’t Have To Care

By Dave Nadig |
BN 20 4x3

Breaking News #20: Hot Ones and Phony Wars

By Harper Hunt |
EPSILON CONNECT (8)

The Intentional Investor #2: Justin Castelli

By Harper Hunt |
Intentional Investor - 1 (5)

The Intentional Investor #1: Ben Hunt

By Harper Hunt |
EPSILON CONNECT (3)

Breaking News #19: Number Go Up For November

By Harper Hunt |
Untitled design (7)

Breaking News #18: The Rise of the Raccoons

By Harper Hunt |
Maslow 4-3 small

Bitcoin Endgames & The New Hyper-Agents

By Dave Nadig |
Untitled design (1)

Breaking News #17: The Rise of Financial Nihilism

By Harper Hunt |
Louis xv 4-3

And You Wonder Why Bitcoin and Gold are at Record Highs

By Ben Hunt |
DISCLOSURES

This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.