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> games these days include a variety of gimmicks (loot boxes, micro transactions, cosmetics) to vacuum as much money out of the customers

Do other people avoid video games these days for this reason? Perhaps it's a function of being busy, and generally liking other hobbies (like programming), but I just don't want to participate in a gaming world which is defined by this sort of economics. I understand it's more profitable, but it turns me away.

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I certainly avoid games that put these trends front and center (even if free). Some games that I've purchased over the years, Destiny 2 for example, have changed their model completely and I find it saddening. The core game is now free (which I paid full price for) and all expansions (DLC) are paid. They also include paid seasonal content (4 times per year, 10 weeks in length, $10 each) where they introduce some (typically poorly received) content to grind out and some new items in their in-game real money market (Eververse). Typical items in the "Eververse" are $10+.

I hope these trends fade away over time although I am not expecting that to be the case with the profits some of these publishers are reporting.

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