Children addicted to video games run away from home in search of WiFi and turn violence, per a doctor. Many games involve loot boxes, typically unknown items unlocked through additional gameplay or paid for with real-world or in-game money. Video game companies EA and Respawn have faced criticism for expensive loot boxes in Apex Legends, with one axe totaling $178 in microtransactions when it was released. "To spend money, these children need to borrow money from parents or use monetary gifts received for birthdays and Christmas. Last year, then-Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries opted not to regulate loot boxes as gambling.

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Persons: Henrietta Bowden, Jones, Bowden, Nadine Dorries Organizations: for Gaming Disorders, National Centre for Gaming Disorders, Guardian, EA, Apex, Gambling Locations: microtransactions, Austrian, Belgium, Australia