Let’s talk about a niche of games that is different from the usual. Games with a little surprise and a touch of randomness built in — the loot boxes, or slot machines. We’ve all been there, done that. You’re playing your favorite slot, and it offers you a loot box to open, and you get a sudden rush of excitement, thinking you might have a chance to win something big.

Even though you often don’t win anything, you get that thrilling sensation that no other game can offer. For most, all three of these games are the same, running on pure luck. But deep down, each one of these games is different.

Let’s see exactly how.

Loot Boxes

I still remember the first time I cracked open a loot box in Overwatch 2 x World of Warcraft. I just finished a match, won it, and was feeling great about myself and there it was — my reward.

Out of all the possible expensive skins or weapons, I got a voice line. I was so ready to get something cool, and I got… words. It was like expecting a birthday cake and getting socks. As frustrating as it was, I still got that tiny thrill of expectation from the lucky dip style of mechanic.

Even though they feel like a complex mechanic running behind them, they are inherently simple.

● Players earn or buy loot boxes and unlock random rewards.
● Rewards are usually decided by a random number generator (RNG) generating a reward that corresponds to a reward.
● Items range from common to ultra-rare, with animations adding to the excitement.

Loot boxes don’t typically impact gameplay balance, but they add a level of personal expression and exclusivity for players, letting them customize their experience on a deeper level.

Slots

Now, onto slots. There’s something about them that just pulls you in. They’re simple: you press the button, watch the reels spin, and hope for the best. Once again, an RNG comes into play, generating different numbers corresponding to blocks on the slot grid and assigning them to random symbols. The rush is undeniable.

Gacha Games

If you’ve ever played games like Genshin Impact or Fate/Grand Order, then you know the struggle of chasing after that one character you want. You make a pull and hope you get that five-star hero. But most of the time? You get a bunch of duplicates. That sting of not getting what you want is real. It’s like shopping for a new phone and coming home with an old charger instead.

But here’s the thing about Gacha games — they don’t give up.

Every time you hit that button, you feel a little hope. Just a little. Maybe this time, maybe not. But the chase is what keeps you hooked. It’s the possibility of hitting that jackpot, and when you finally get it, it’s like winning the lottery.

These games are inspired by Japanese capsule toy machines “gachapon” and have become a major part of mobile and console gaming.

● Players use in-game currency to summon characters, weapons, or items.
● Each pull has a chance of delivering rare, powerful, or limited-time rewards.

The system encourages long-term play, strategy, and allows for players to customize their experience further than what the base system offers.

Are They Similar?

So far, we have found that all three games are powered by random number generators, or RNG. So, we can say they are similar in terms of the inner mechanics. But when it comes to outlooks and rewards, each game is unique.

Whilst Gacha and Loot Boxes are built for simple rewards, slot machines are built to maximize the fun and payouts at the same time. Some of the best online pokies, like those found at Dunder, can carry their own animation suite, making them entertaining to engage and play with.

Typically, you’re not going to play slots games if you’re after a sure thing — that lucky dip feeling is what you’re chasing, and it’s a large part of the charm of these three systems.

Why We Love the Randomness

So, why do we keep going back for more? Why are we so hooked on these random systems? Honestly, a large part of that is the thrill. Let’s face it — life can be predictable. But when you open a loot box or spin a slot, anything could happen. That unpredictability is what gets us. It’s a break from the ordinary.

Think about it — how many times have you been playing a game and told yourself “Just one more pull”? And deep down you know it might not work but you do it anyway. The hope, the excitement, that feeling of “maybe this time” is what keeps us in the game.

The Frustration Is Real, But So Is the Fun

But here’s the thing — the thrill of randomness comes with its frustrations. I’ve spent my fair share of time chasing after that one character, spending more than I care to admit and getting nothing. It can feel like you’re just throwing your money away. And honestly? Sometimes you are.

With any gambling-type system like the ones mentioned today, it’s important to remember that nothing is a sure thing. And at the end of the day, there’s a good chance you will get the exact win, item, or reward you’ve set your mind on. Always gamble responsibly, set limits, and know your boundaries — and if the fun stops, stop playing or spending to chase what you’ve set your mind on.