Australian scientists from the University of Tasmania have found that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism can be beneficial for video game lovers in some cases. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Scientific Reports (SciRep).
The team found that having autistic traits protects players from overspending on microtransactions in games. This is particularly true for loot boxes (virtual kits that are typically purchased with real money and contain random sets of rewards of varying rarity and value).
“Loot boxes appear to be structurally, psychologically, and legally similar to gambling. Therefore, researchers wondered whether some game users might be more vulnerable to overindulging or overspending on these optional virtual items,” said study author James Sauer.
The trial involved 1,178 adults from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Participants completed online surveys that included questions exploring gambling behavior, compulsive gambling, and ASD diagnosis.
The scientists found strong positive correlations between problematic gaming behavior, symptoms of gambling addiction, and spending on both loot boxes and other microtransactions associated with video games.
This suggests that addicted players are more willing to spend money on these in-game features. The results are in line with previous research showing that people with higher levels of problem behavior tend to spend more money on microtransactions.
One surprise for experts was that people with autistic traits were less likely to buy loot boxes and other virtual items, but were more likely to be addicted to video games in general.
The result suggested that although people with autistic traits may be more vulnerable to problem behaviors, they may also be more careful or deliberate in their spending decisions, particularly regarding loot boxes.
Earlier scientists I learnedthat video games improve the mental state of people with schizophrenia.