Abstract
Çevrim içi oyunlar, günümüzde ergenler için yalnızca bir
eğlence ya da sosyalleşme alanı değil, aynı zamanda bağımlılık
davranışlarına zemin hazırlayan riskli bir mecra haline gelmiştir.
Dijital oyun endüstrisi milyarlarca dolarlık bir hacme ulaşırken,
bu büyümede teknolojik ilerlemeler kadar “oyunlaştırılmış
kumar” adı verilen tasarım stratejileri önemli rol oynamıştır.
Popüler oyunlardaki rastlantısal ödül sistemleri, görsel ve estetik
ögelerle birlikte rekabet avantajı sağlayan unsurlar sunarak
“kolay kazanma” algısı yaratmakta ve kumar dinamiklerini
oyun deneyimine entegre etmektedir. Araştırmalar, bu
mekanizmaların sosyal onay ihtiyacı ve rekabet baskısıyla
birleştiğinde ergenleri tekrar eden denemelere yönelttiğini;
oyunda ilerlemenin doğrudan bu sistemlere bağlanmasının ise
kumar benzeri davranışları normalleştirerek bağımlılık eğilimini
güçlendirdiğini göstermektedir. Uluslararası ölçekte bazı ülkeler
bu alanda somut düzenlemeler geliştirmiş olsa da Türkiye’de
sistematik bir yasal çerçeve henüz oluşturulmamıştır. Bu boşluk
karşısında akademik camia, politika yapıcılar, eğitimciler
ve klinisyenler ortak bir duyarlılık geliştirmeli; gençlerin
korunmasına yönelik kapsamlı önlemler alınmalıdır.
References
- 1. Hing N, Lole L, Thorne H, Sproston K, Hodge N, Rockloff M. “It doesn’t give off the gambling vibes… it just feels like a part of the game”: Adolescents’ experiences and perceptions of simulated gambling while growing up. Int J Ment Health Addict. 2025;23(1):389-409. doi:10.1007/s11469-023- 01119-6
- 2. González-Cabrera J, Caba-Machado V, Díaz-López A, Jiménez-Murcia S, Mestre-Bach G, Machimbarrena JM. The mediating role of problematic use of loot boxes between internet gaming disorder and online gambling disorder: Cross-sectional analytical study. JMIR Serious Games. 2024;12:e57304. doi:10.2196/57304
- 3. Grosemans E, De Cock R, Bradt L, Zaman B. More than loot boxes: The role of video game streams and gambling-like elements in the gaming-gambling connection among adolescents. J Gambl Issues. 2024;54:1-28. doi: 10.4309/GBVY4097
- 4. Gibson E, Griffiths MD, Calado F, Harris A. The role of videogame micro-transactions in the relationship between motivations, problem gaming, and problem gambling. J Gambl Stud. 2025;41(3):1087-1118. doi:10.1007/s10899-024-10365-9
- 5. Irie T, Shinkawa H, Tanaka M, Yokomitsu K. Online- gaming and mental health: Loot boxes and in-game purchases are related to problematic online gaming and depression in adolescents. Curr Psychol. 2023;42(24):20515-20526. doi:10.1007/s12144- 022-03157-0
Abstract
Online games today are not merely a means of entertainment
or socialization for adolescents, but rather a risky domain that
fosters addictive behaviors. While the digital gaming industry has
reached a multibillion-dollar scale, this growth has been driven by
technological advances as well as design strategies referred to as
“gamblification.” Random reward systems embedded in popular
games provide cosmetic features alongside competitive advantages,
creating a perception of “easy winning” and integrating gambling
dynamics into the gaming experience. Research indicates that
when combined with the need for social approval and competitive
pressure, these mechanisms lead adolescents to repeated attempts;
moreover, linking game progression directly to such systems
normalizes gambling-like behaviors and reinforces tendencies
toward addiction. Although some countries have introduced
concrete regulatory measures in this field, a systematic legal
framework has not yet been established in Türkiye. In light of
this gap, the academic community, policymakers, educators, and
clinicians should develop a shared awareness and implement
comprehensive measures to protect adolescents.
References
- 1. Hing N, Lole L, Thorne H, Sproston K, Hodge N, Rockloff M. “It doesn’t give off the gambling vibes… it just feels like a part of the game”: Adolescents’ experiences and perceptions of simulated gambling while growing up. Int J Ment Health Addict. 2025;23(1):389-409. doi:10.1007/s11469-023- 01119-6
- 2. González-Cabrera J, Caba-Machado V, Díaz-López A, Jiménez-Murcia S, Mestre-Bach G, Machimbarrena JM. The mediating role of problematic use of loot boxes between internet gaming disorder and online gambling disorder: Cross-sectional analytical study. JMIR Serious Games. 2024;12:e57304. doi:10.2196/57304
- 3. Grosemans E, De Cock R, Bradt L, Zaman B. More than loot boxes: The role of video game streams and gambling-like elements in the gaming-gambling connection among adolescents. J Gambl Issues. 2024;54:1-28. doi: 10.4309/GBVY4097
- 4. Gibson E, Griffiths MD, Calado F, Harris A. The role of videogame micro-transactions in the relationship between motivations, problem gaming, and problem gambling. J Gambl Stud. 2025;41(3):1087-1118. doi:10.1007/s10899-024-10365-9
- 5. Irie T, Shinkawa H, Tanaka M, Yokomitsu K. Online- gaming and mental health: Loot boxes and in-game purchases are related to problematic online gaming and depression in adolescents. Curr Psychol. 2023;42(24):20515-20526. doi:10.1007/s12144- 022-03157-0
Details
| Primary Language | Turkish |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Subtance Abuse |
| Journal Section | Letter to Editor |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | September 29, 2025 |
| Publication Date | January 21, 2026 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2026 Volume: 9 Issue: 2 |