4 ms·

>The argument that loot boxes are "only cosmetic" is also a terrible argument. It's a critical argument, because it is the difference between an even playing f

>The argument that loot boxes are "only cosmetic" is also a terrible argument. It's a critical argument, because it is the difference between an even playing field and pay-to-win. >The game experience involves customizing your character. Cosmetic items are by definition part of the game and, therefore, enhance gameplay. How much of a core gaming experience is "what one of your characters is wearing"? If it's a massive thing, you are presumably playing the wrong games. It's not a core gameplay mechanic, it's... Well, purely cosmetic.

dvt 9y ago
> How much of a core gaming experience is "what one of your characters is wearing"? In every game, from CS:GO, to Overwatch, to WoW, people seem to care what they're wearing. If it's so unimportant to the game, why do people care? Why do people spend real money on cosmetics that have "no impact" on gameplay? Drop this contrarian nonsense, it's clearly important to the game. "Purely cosmetic" is a misleading non-material weasel word.
- WorldMaker 9y ago
  Some of these cosmetic options become popular with certain player types because of effective camo uses as well. For instance, a lot of the darker and blacker item skins in the CS series have always trended strongly on the marketplace for that reason. Certainly more games try to mitigate against that (the rarest are often the brightest/most peacocky), but there are still utility choices in the cosmetics based on how they appear to opposing players.
- ryanianian 9y ago
  It's social cachet. You get to show off. You could decide to not care what clothes you're wearing, or you could be someone who likes to show off their labors. This isn't important to the "game" - you can still win/lose just as well - but it's an important social aspect for those who want to show off. (I make no judgement on those who like to flaunt the fancy gear - it just makes me want to beat them even more while wearing ugly game-cosmetics that I didn't pay anything for.)
lazyasciiart 9y ago
> If it's a massive thing, you are presumably playing the wrong games. What's intrinsically wrong with a game that uses clothing as a mechanic?

dvt 9y ago

> How much of a core gaming experience is "what one of your characters is wearing"? In every game, from CS:GO, to Overwatch, to WoW, people seem to care what they're wearing. If it's so unimportant to the game, why do people care? Why do people spend real money on cosmetics that have "no impact" on gameplay? Drop this contrarian nonsense, it's clearly important to the game. "Purely cosmetic" is a misleading non-material weasel word.

WorldMaker 9y ago
Some of these cosmetic options become popular with certain player types because of effective camo uses as well. For instance, a lot of the darker and blacker item skins in the CS series have always trended strongly on the marketplace for that reason. Certainly more games try to mitigate against that (the rarest are often the brightest/most peacocky), but there are still utility choices in the cosmetics based on how they appear to opposing players.
ryanianian 9y ago
It's social cachet. You get to show off. You could decide to not care what clothes you're wearing, or you could be someone who likes to show off their labors. This isn't important to the "game" - you can still win/lose just as well - but it's an important social aspect for those who want to show off. (I make no judgement on those who like to flaunt the fancy gear - it just makes me want to beat them even more while wearing ugly game-cosmetics that I didn't pay anything for.)

lazyasciiart 9y ago

> If it's a massive thing, you are presumably playing the wrong games. What's intrinsically wrong with a game that uses clothing as a mechanic?