19-year-old gambling addict lays out a case against video game microtransactions

In a powerful open letter to the video game industry, a 19-year-old gambling addict gave a first-hand account of how in-game microtransactions and loot boxes can tempt young players into spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars for content.

Reddit user Kensgold, who asked us not to use his real name, shared his story on Reddit in November. 

The post, aimed at the developers and publishers of Star Wars Battlefront II — and all other companies in the industry — explained how, at the age of 14, he spent well over $10,000 over the course of a few years thanks to microtransactions and, admittedly, his own addiction to gambling. Read more...