Visual identity and gambling in the Counter-Strike video game loot boxes ecosystem
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62161/revvisual.v16.5266Keywords:
Counter-Strike, Loot boxes, Gambling, Social media, Visual identity, Visual culture, Responsible gamingAbstract
This work analyzes the visual culture, understood as the set of images, game mechanics and marketing strategies of the Counter-Strike loot boxes ecosystem. The analysis exposes the risk posed by the whitewashing that the visual culture linked to this ecosystem provides to these practices, as well as the use of casino game mechanics in a video game to which minors have access. The paper concludes by highlighting how visual identity can play a significant role in mitigating or exacerbating the impact of these practices on vulnerable populations.
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