In the realm of virtual worlds, a distinctive system exists for acquiring items, diverging from the loot-centric mechanisms often seen in particular video games. Instead, the acquisition of virtual items hinges on a marketplace, where assets are bought and sold inworld or through expansive online marketplaces. Consequently, these digital objects span an extensive array of themes and functions, seamlessly integrated into the boundless landscapes of virtual reality. This phenomenon echoes the tenets of a virtual El Dorado, firmly rooted in a capitalist economy. Moreover, the proliferation of these digital assets is underpinned by a voracious and repetitive cycle of consumption, mirroring the workings of the actual-world economic systems.

 

While the act of looting is not the central feature of Second Life's primary function, elements of chance and cyclical processes have been intrinsic to a crucial aspect of the platform: the enduring presence of gachaboxes or lootboxes. These once-ubiquitous features were officially prohibited by Linden Lab in 2021. By law, the company that owns Second Life has rendered these machines dispensable. Inspired by Japanese gachapons, the gachabox itself becomes a fascinating subject of analysis, transcending the allure of the items it offers in exchange for a specified sum of money. Within this context, it embodies the potential for a haphazard acquisition of coveted items and serves as a conduit for activating the dopamine circuit within users. However, resourceful content creators, with the tacit consent of the company, have devised a workaround to sidestep the Gacha policy, effectively bypassing the restrictions imposed by the terms and conditions and maintaining a system reminiscent of gambling mechanisms.