Blockchain from the information systems perspective: Literature review, synthesis, and directions for future research

2023 | Information & Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Lei, Chun Fong; Ngai, Eric W.T.

Abstract: This paper profiled blockchain studies in information systems (IS) journals from ... Expand

Abstract: This paper profiled blockchain studies in information systems (IS) journals from 2016 to 2022. Drawing on the 443 selected articles from 77 IS journals, we proposed a classification scheme from the IS perspective. Current blockchain articles are highly skewed, focusing on research agendas and system design. We proposed a theo­ retical framework by summarizing the current status of the blockchain literature and highlighting 15 future research questions for the IS research community. We are optimistic that the proposed framework and future research questions can guide blockchain research and advance its scale and impact. Collapse

Topics: blockchain innovation management systems design IS discipline database system

Methods: literature study structured literature research literature sample case study simulation

Theories: information systems theory social network theory

Gambling in Digital Games and Esports: A Scoping Review

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Mattinen, Topias; Macey, Joseph; Hamari, Juho

Abstract: The convergence of gaming and gambling has become increasingly prominent in rece ... Expand

Abstract: The convergence of gaming and gambling has become increasingly prominent in recent years, most notably in the context of esports. Consequently, there has been a recent surge of literature investigating this phenomenon. This convergence is often driven by the commercial advantages it offers, yet there are concerns over the effects of mixing gambling with gaming, both in relation to the quality of experiences, and possible ethical problems. In this scoping review of the related corpus, we explore the development of work addressing the presence of gambling associated with digital games; examining methodologies, research topics, the specific gambling activities addressed, and identifying gaps present in the field. The body of literature reviewed consists of peer-reviewed, English language publications (n=132). Our findings indicate a sharp increase in yearly publications in the late 2010s, attributed partly due to rising interest in novel gambling activities, such as loot boxes. We recommend future research incorporates both qualitative and mixed methods research to provide the field with results unavailable at current time. Collapse

Topics: database system video game loot box esport website

Methods: structured literature research mixed method qualitative content analysis literature study archival research

Loot Boxes, Problem Gambling, and Problem Gaming: A Critical Review of the Emerging Literature

2023 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: McCaffrey, Matthew

Abstract: The literature studying video game loot boxes is young but growing quickly. Giv ... Expand

Abstract: The literature studying video game loot boxes is young but growing quickly. Given the rapid proliferation of loot box research and its developing influence in public policy, a stocktaking and critical reflection are in order. This paper reviews the emerging literature on loot boxes and problematic behaviors such as problem gambling and problem gaming and describes some challenges facing this research. The main problems involve (1) the availability of relevant and useful data, choice of research subjects, and difficulties of reliable and representative sampling; (2) the use of research tools and methods that fail to take account of the unique characteristics of loot boxes; and (3) neglect of the underlying economic significance of loot box engagement, a necessity for considering the true social impact and the policy implications of loot boxes. Together, these challenges show clearly that loot box research has a long way to go before it can be relied on for practical purposes. The paper concludes by outlining a positive research program with a view to informing policy. Collapse

Topics: loot box database system video game video game addiction information system use

Methods: experiment survey personal interview self reported survey qualitative interview

Gamblified digital product offerings: an experimental study of loot box menu designs

2022 | Electronic Markets | Citations: 0

Authors: Adam, Martin; Roethke, Konstantin; Benlian, Alexander

Abstract: To augment traditional monetization strategies, digital platform providers incre ... Expand

Abstract: To augment traditional monetization strategies, digital platform providers increasingly draw on gamblification (i.e., the use of gambling design elements). By means of gambling design elements (e.g., lottery tickets, scratch cards, loot boxes), platform providers do not only entertain users but also incentivize them to purchase digital products. Yet, despite the increasing prevalence of gamblified digital platforms, little is known about how gamblification influences user purchase behaviors. Drawing on prospect theory, we investigate gamblification in the form of loot box menu designs and the associated effects of uncertainty, loss experience and behavioral control on user purchase behavior. Specifically, we conducted a contest-based online experiment with 159 participants, finding that platform providers can profit from offering loot boxes with certain (vs. uncertain) rewards in loot box menus. Furthermore, this effect intensifies when participants previously experienced a loss and decreases when they perceive to have more control over the result. Thus, our findings provide theoretical and practical insights for a better understanding of gamblification in general and of loot box menu designs for enhancing digital business models in particular. Collapse

Topics: loot box digital business model digital product gamification decision making

Methods: experiment survey design survey logistic regression factorial experiment

Theories: prospect theory expected utility theory

Bringing transparency and trustworthiness to loot boxes with blockchain and smart contracts

2021 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 8

Authors: Carvalho, Arthur

Abstract: The ever-increasing reliance on loot boxes by the video game industry has attrac ... Expand

Abstract: The ever-increasing reliance on loot boxes by the video game industry has attracted scrutiny from consumer groups and regulators. For example, this practice of selling random assortments of virtual items for a price has been criticized for its lack of transparency since, before purchasing a loot box, players do not necessarily know the possible items they can win and the associated probabilities. Even in the rare cases when the list of items and probabilities are available, there are no guarantees that a game is actually using that information when randomly drawing an item, which naturally results in a trust problem. We draw from decision theory to explain the transparency and trust issues faced by loot boxes, and from a recently proposed decision model by Pedersen et al. (2019) to motivate the use of blockchain technology in this context. Following the design science research framework (Peffers et al., 2007), we then explain how loot boxes can be coded as smart contracts running on a blockchain network, and why this solution effectively tackles the transparency and trust problems we mentioned above. We illustrate the use of the proposed smart contract by developing a decentralized application (DApp) that mimics the process of purchasing and opening a loot box. We carefully analyze our solution by considering its computational complexity, accuracy, security, and cost aspects. We further discuss topics related to gover­ nance and deployment so as to help the video game industry with a potential real-life implementation of our solution. Collapse

Topics: loot box blockchain smart contract Ethereum video game

Methods: computational algorithm design artifact design science Pearson's chi squared test of goodness of fit statistical hypothesis test

Theories: decision theory

‘Not all Treasures are Silver and Gold’ – Understanding the Gamification Element Lootbox and its Influence on Motivation and Performance

2021 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Lichtenberg, Sascha; Brendel, Alfred Benedikt; Bührke, Johannes; Diederich, Stephan; Kolbe, Lutz

Abstract: ... Expand

Abstract: Collapse

Topics: loot box gamification intrinsic motivation social media electronic commerce

Methods: survey experiment partial least squares regression factor analysis parametric test

Theories: motivation crowding theory self determination theory

Accounting for gambling design elements: A proposal to advance gamification taxonomies

2021 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 2

Authors: Reinelt, Annika; Adam, Martin; Roethke, Konstantin

Abstract: Gamification has been touted as a powerful means to incite user engagement and ... Expand

Abstract: Gamification has been touted as a powerful means to incite user engagement and behavioral changes.Recently, the rise of design elements characteristic of gambling design (e.g., chance-based outcomes) has received increased attention in gamification and started to spark a debate of what is gaming in contrast to gambling, and consequently what is gamification in contrast to gamblification. Therefore, to clearly delineate gamblification and associated design elements within the overarching gamification domain, we argue a comprehensive, common classification method is needed for game and gambling design elements applied to non-game and non-gambling contexts. Accordingly, we propose new dimensions and characteristics to extend gamification taxonomies and validate these along practical case examples. This advancement of classification systems can serve as basis for closer examination of design elements determining gamification's and gamblification's effectiveness in spurring user experience and engagement and for novel designs of gamified and gamblified systems. Collapse

Topics: gamification mobile application database system information system use digital distribution

Methods: literature study classification method

Theories: motivation theory theory of affordance

Monetizing Loot Boxes in Gamblified Digital Business Models — The Role of Risk Avoidance and Loss Aversion

2021 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Roethke, Konstantin; Albrecht, Gregor; Adam, Martin; Benlian, Alexander

Abstract: Digital business models increasingly utilize gamblification (i.e., the use of g ... Expand

Abstract: Digital business models increasingly utilize gamblification (i.e., the use of gambling design elements in non-gambling contexts) to enhance traditional revenue generation. However, despite the increasing prevalence of gamblified digital business models, little is known about the influence of gamblification design on user behavior. We examine how gamblification in the form of differently designed loot boxes (i.e., gamblified virtual goods) and the connected effects of risk avoidance, previous endowment, and risk attitudes affects user purchase behavior. We conducted a contest-based online experiment with 180 participants, revealing that user purchase behavior is positively affected when loot boxes with a certain (vs. an uncertain) reward are offered. This risk avoidance effect increases when participants are either previously endowed with an unopened loot box or when they are risk-averse. Our findings yield theoretical and practical implications for gamblification in general and loot boxes complementing digital business models in particular. Collapse

Topics: loot box digital business model user behavior consumer behavior gamification

Methods: experiment survey statistical hypothesis test logistic regression survey design

Theories: loss aversion prospect theory

Arrr you a Pirate? Towards the Gamification Element "Lootbox"

2020 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Lichtenberg, Sascha; Brendel, Alfred Benedikt

Abstract: Gamification, using game-like elements in a non-game context, stands a means to ... Expand

Abstract: Gamification, using game-like elements in a non-game context, stands a means to trigger an individual's innate disposition to game and play, leading to enhanced engagement, enjoyment, and motivation. Gamification elements can take many forms. Amongst the most prominent and often applied gamification elements are progress bars, badges, and leaderboards. Each of these elements can be found in games, for instance, computer games. One recent development in online computer games is the so-called "lootbox." Lootboxes can be described as a mechanism that rewards gamers with a random object when a specific objective is met. Lootboxes have yet to be adapted as a gamification element. It remains unclear how users react to lootboxes, both in terms of psychological and behavioral outcomes. Against this background, this study investigates the effect of lootboxes on extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, as well as the performance (quantity of completed tasks) via an online experiment with 203 participants. The results of our research indicate that lootboxes can be an effective way of gamifying non-gaming contexts, increasing extrinsic motivation, and the performance while preserving intrinsic motivation. Collapse

Topics: loot box gamification intrinsic motivation social media task productivity

Methods: experiment survey survey design factor analysis experimental group

Theories: motivation crowding theory self determination theory

Loot Box Purchase Decisions in Digital Business Models: The Role of Certainty and Loss Experience

2020 | HICSS | Citations: 1

Authors: Roethke, Konstantin; Adam, Martin; Benlian, Alexander

Abstract: Game providers are increasingly employing and selling loot boxes, which can be c ... Expand

Abstract: Game providers are increasingly employing and selling loot boxes, which can be considered virtual goods that consist of further virtual goods on a randomized basis. As such, game providers can foster profitability without impeding user experience. Drawing on prospect theory, we investigate ideas for the design of loot box menus to optimize revenue generation and user well-being. By conducting a contest-based online experiment with 159 participants, our analyses reveal that including certain (vs. uncertain) content in loot boxes can influence users’ purchase behaviors and thus increase revenues. Moreover, this effect increases when participants previously experienced a loss. Thus, our findings demonstrate that game providers can profit from offering certain content in loot boxes. Collapse

Topics: loot box business model decision making social media electronic commerce

Methods: experiment survey logistic regression statistical hypothesis test descriptive statistic

Theories: prospect theory behavioral economics expected utility theory