Cash Grab Video Games vs Online Slots Real Money South Africa

As with online slots real money South Africa, console, PC and mobile video games have come a long way since its inception.  That said, whereas online slots are constantly evolving to improve the user experience, video games are under fire due to something called ‘cash grabs’.

What are Cash Grabs?

Cash grabs essentially involve in-game purchases in the form of microtransactions, otherwise referred to as ‘predatory monetization’.  Often times, these purchases are necessary to progress in the game.  This is where the vast difference between online slots real money South Africa and video games can be noted… but we’ll touch on that further down.

As for what these microtransactions are, exactly, it depends on the game that you are playing.  Loot boxes, skins, weapons, in-game currencies and ‘lucky spins’ are a few examples of microtransactions.  It might sound harmless as game developers are entitled to find ways to make money, right?  Unfortunately, it is not that simple.

According to ResearchGate, “Predatory monetization schemes (e.g., 'loot boxes') in video games are purchasing systems that disguise or withhold the long-term cost of the activity until players are already financially and psychologically committed.”

They furthermore state that “Such schemes contribute to the increasing similarity of gaming and gambling and the potential for financial harm for those with Internet gaming disorder.”  This wouldn’t be a problem if it wasn’t for the fact that a vast number of gamers are minor children.

An Example of Predatory Monetisation in a Game

The Diablo game series, developed by Blizzard North and released by Blizzard Entertainment, is a perfect example.  The first game in the series, “Diablo”, was released on PC in January 1997.  It was the highest grossing computer game in ‘97, reaching sales of over 1 million in November that year.

Since then, there have been 9 game releases, with Diablo IV scheduled to debut in 2023.  They’ve also gone cross OS, now covering Microsoft Windows, Classic Mac OS, Mac OS, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo – and mobile.

The issue came in with the release of Diablo Immortal, a ‘free to play’ (F2P) game for mobile.  The game developers cottoned on to the fact that 75% of gamers use a mobile phone.  Delve a bit deeper, and you’ll see that the game mechanics follow textbook predatory monetisation.

Every scummy tactic one can think of is incorporated into the game.  There are multiple in-game currencies needed to purchase specific items and even hidden features.  There are loot boxes and ‘spin to win’ paid for features based on the Japanese gacha game mechanics formula.  This encourages kids to spend money, with odds as low as 0.7% of landing a high-tier character.

The Real Cost of Video Games and F2P Mobile Games

Most console or PC video games come at a hefty initial outlay.  Whether you purchase a physical disc of the game or transact via a platform such as Steam, the Playstation Play Store or Microsoft Store for Xbox, expect to cough up a few hundred – to over a thousand bucks for a single big-brand game.

Even F2P mobile games that are readily available on mobile phone app stores end up costing a fortune in microtransactions.  Clash of Clans is another very popular mobile game that uses pay to play (P2P) tactics, which is a form of cash grabbing through in-game purchases.

Unlike our online slots real money South Africa that have an average RTP of 96%, levelling up in a game such as Diablo Immortal is all but impossible – unless you pay to get to the top.  Some have done the math…  It was originally thought to cost $100k to max out a character, but it is more in the region of $540,000 upwards – and that is with luck.

So, why then play a game that employs microtransactions and predatory monetisation?  This is where the psychology steps in.  It is all driven by competition to be the best and to progress the furthest.  Where you can win ZAR with our online slots real money South Africa, these games offer nothing concrete at all.

Gamers – and Parents – Have Had Enough

To play Springbok online slots real money South Africa games, you need to be of the legal age limit, which is 18.  Video and console games on the other hand attract legions of minors – and it is currently perfectly legal.  Where Springbok Casino encourages responsible gaming, other video and mobile games are not regulated at all.

At the end of the day, microtransactions is a multi-billion dollar industry and sadly, young gamers are easy prey.  After spending their pocket money, they’ll usually turn to their parents for more money to buy skins, loot boxes, in-game currency – or whatever they need to progress and succeed in the game.

On that front alone, it is not only adult gamers who are fed-up, but parents have had enough too.  Taking on giant companies is no easy feat though and the main current strategy involves boycotting game developers who use microtransactions.

What Does it Cost to Play Online Slots Real Money South Africa?

Springbok Casino is a regulated adult-only gaming platform, and whether you play on your mobile, PC or tablet, you decide what you want to spend.  A single spin on one of our online slots real money South Africa can cost anything from a few cents to around R250 when you bet max on certain slots.

Unless there is a big top payout or progressive jackpot in play that would warrant a max bet, you can keep the reels spinning with the pocket change from your piggy bank.  We are also transparent with our RTPs and our odds all but guarantee frequent real money wins.

What is Being Done About Exploitative Monetised Gaming?

We can’t deny that there is an issue.  That said, video games most definitely have their perks, as we’ve discussed in previous articles here at Springbok Casino, and they’re not all bad.  The games can be great for cognitive development and even teach kids useful skills that are relevant to real life.

Cash grab games do however pose a real problem – especially where children are involved.  In fact, the issue has caught the attention of scientists who have studied the exploitative monetised gameplay.  Amongst other things, the studies include the lack of lack basic consumer guarantees and protections for in-game purchases.

In countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands, politicians and regulators have stepped in.  Recommendations were made that some purchases, such as randomly determined loot box items, be deemed a form of gambling.  Theoretically, this should then make them subject to appropriate gambling regulations and age restrictions.

In China, legislation was passed in 2016 requiring game developers to be transparent with the odds of receiving goods from loot boxes or ‘spin to win’ features.  Online slots for real money in South Africa remain regulated, but our country – and many others – is yet to tackle exploitative monetised gameplay.

Cash Grab at the Online Casino vs Video Games

Firstly, the difference between console and PC games versus online slots for real money in South Africa is that at some point, depending on the games’ volatility, you will get an ROI.  This ROI involves actual ZAR that you can withdraw from your casino account – it is real.

When playing video games, there is no return on your investment for in-game purchases – other than untouchable downloadable content (DLC), or game progression.  This is another aspect that sets online slots real money South Africa apart from video games – we don’t expect you to pay to progress through a game or to level up!

As with most video games, many of our online slots real money South Africa have unique themes and even storylines that unfold as you play.  It is a natural progression though, and whether you bet R0.15c or R250, you’ll get to enjoy the same experience.

The only ‘cash grab’ that happens at Springbok Casino is the cash you grab in the form of our free welcome bonus when you sign up – and our regular ongoing promos!