Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

Xorena wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2020 11:29 am Justifying the existence of the gamblor by saying murdering and stealing are OK in the setting misses the broader picture.

Addiction behaviors require a reward recognized by the brain, which causes continued behavior to get the reward (TLDR our brains are jerks). A quick Google Scholar search shows there are copious research papers regarding the neurobiology of addiction and gambling.

Let's apply this to the game.

You drink in game, your brain doesn't recognize this as a reward.

You do drugs in game, that doesn't give your brain the incentive to continue.

If you gamble in game, this does create a real chemical response in your brain that it recognizes as a reward. The behavior continues. I found some research that virtual gambling can be more addictive than in-person gambling.

This is why companies are spending millions of dollars to convince states to allow online sports betting and other gambling. They know gambling is addictive and they all want some of that sweet, sweet revenue.

Whether BGTSCC allows the gamblor to remain or not is a choice.

If using the gamblor is a solo activity then it's not really enhancing RP among players. If there is no real RP value to the gamblor (I did not know it existed) then I suggest it be removed.

The compassionate thing to do is realize a player -- a real person -- is suffering because of this mechanic and consider ways to mitigate that suffering.

In the U.S.: The National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline offers a confidential, 24-hour helpline for problem gamblers or their family members at 1-800-522-4700.

Titles rated T (Teen) have content that is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.

c2k wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2020 3:58 pm https://www.ign.com/wikis/content-ratings/ESRB

Titles rated T (Teen) have content that is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.

Simulated Gambling does seem to be allowed in a PG-13 game. And to be fair, loot boxes in other games are far worse as they imply the use of real money.

I have no stake in the gamblor machine, but I do think removing it is a slippery slope. I would propose a compromise of moving the Gamlbor to the Temple of Tymora though, would make more sense in game as well.

zhazz wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2020 4:13 pm
I don't think Tymora would appreciate casino machines in her temples. She is about taking changes, and gambling on good fortune, particularly among friends. But slots machines doesn't seem to fit her portfolio. That would be more in line Beshaba, who encourages misfortune, which slots machines definite are (house always wins).