Psychologically speaking, all the freemium games on smartphone are indeed slot machine, they have the exact same addictive effects just like the slot machine which secretly hypnotize the player, making them unconsciously absorbed into the game and getting lost from the surrounding reality.
Well, although I can also say all sorts of console video games are addictive as well, but there are two distinct differences from smartphone freemium games. One is the sociability, especially true for games in large family console than handheld console as there exist many multi-player games. And another most important one is the involvement of MONEY!
Other than the money you spent to purchase the game itself, micro-transactions used to purchases all sorts of necessities that is required for normal gameplay is nothing different from the act of gambling. And by the involvement of money everywhere during the playthrough, it will reduce the monetary value, subtlely encourage ones to spend money for playing. When a game encourages spending money unlimitedly, that is no more an entertainment for relaxation, but gambling disguised in the form of video game,
But sadly, despite gambling is a restrictive business where it is regulated by government in most countries, freemium games fell within the gray zone between gambling and entertainment, hence it is unrestricted. And when freemium game market being as profitable as gambling market, as a form of a unrestricted lawful business it is surely very attractive and irresistable, being more addictive in the company side than the player side.
Well, although I can also say all sorts of console video games are addictive as well, but there are two distinct differences from smartphone freemium games. One is the sociability, especially true for games in large family console than handheld console as there exist many multi-player games. And another most important one is the involvement of MONEY!
Other than the money you spent to purchase the game itself, micro-transactions used to purchases all sorts of necessities that is required for normal gameplay is nothing different from the act of gambling. And by the involvement of money everywhere during the playthrough, it will reduce the monetary value, subtlely encourage ones to spend money for playing. When a game encourages spending money unlimitedly, that is no more an entertainment for relaxation, but gambling disguised in the form of video game,
But sadly, despite gambling is a restrictive business where it is regulated by government in most countries, freemium games fell within the gray zone between gambling and entertainment, hence it is unrestricted. And when freemium game market being as profitable as gambling market, as a form of a unrestricted lawful business it is surely very attractive and irresistable, being more addictive in the company side than the player side.