The video gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, and with that kind of money comes the temptation to use dirty tricks to make more money. Here are some of the most common dirty tricks used by the video gaming industry:

• Abstraction of currency. This means that in most games that feature micro-transactions, you are first required to buy in-game currency (such as gems, diamonds, gold bars, etc.) before you can purchase anything. This makes it more difficult for players to keep track of how much money they are spending, and it can also make the prices of in-game items seem more reasonable.

• Loot boxes. Loot boxes are a type of gambling that is becoming increasingly popular in video games. Players pay real money to open loot boxes, which contain random items, such as weapons, characters, or cosmetics. The odds of getting a specific item are often very low, which can lead players to spend a lot of money in the hopes of getting what they want.
• Pay-to-win. This is a term used to describe games where players can purchase in-game items that give them a significant advantage over other players. This can make the game unfair for players who do not want to spend money, and it can also lead to a pay-to-win mentality, where players feel like they need to spend money in order to be successful.
• Timegating. This is a technique used to artificially extend the length of a game by making players wait for certain items or abilities to become available. This can be done by requiring players to complete certain tasks, or by simply making them wait a set amount of time. Timegating can be frustrating for players who want to progress through the game quickly, and it can also be used to encourage players to spend money on in-game items.

These are just a few of the dirty tricks that are used by the video gaming industry. It is important to be aware of these tricks so that you can make informed decisions about how you spend your money on video games.

Here are some tips for avoiding dirty tricks in video games:

• Do your research. Before you buy a game, read reviews and watch gameplay videos to see if there are any dirty tricks involved.
• Be aware of the psychology of gambling. Loot boxes and other forms of in-game gambling are designed to be addictive. If you find yourself spending more money than you intended, it is time to take a break.
• Support games that are fair and ethical. There are many games out there that do not use dirty tricks. If you want to support the industry, buy games from developers who respect their players.