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Randomness is common in mixed-motivational system environment. Yet, it is attributable to information deprivation which is not always favored. In this paper, we use the concept entropy to quantitatively capture the rather overlooked influence of randomness embedded in a system. With the use of a serious game, we conducted a study with university students in a classroom setting. We show that entropy has an adverse impact on intention to use. The adverse impact is mediated by perceived control and curiosity. We further demonstrate that people having a strong arousal-avoidance preusage state are less prone to the negative effect of entropy. On theoretical implications, the study is among early attempts to examine the negative consequences of information deprivation due to randomness. It shows the mechanisms through which entropy leads to deteriorated intention to use. On practical implications, we suggest that manipulation of pre-usage user states alleviates the adverse impacts of entropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

So-called “lootboxes,” have recently developed into a quasi-standard for online gaming. Lootboxes are digital single-use containers, containing random items, which can be used to change the appearance of a player’s online persona or to progress faster through the game. Lootboxes are awarded for specific achievements (e.g., playing a certain number of hours) inclining players to play many hours and take on increasingly difficult tasks. Through the lens of gamification, lootboxes offer a new approach to shape user motivation and behavior. In this study, an online experiment with 414 participants was conducted to investigate the potential of lootboxes as a gamification element. Two lootbox designs were tested against awarding badges and a control treatment (no gamification) in a non-game context. Our results indicate that lootboxes, containing changes to the nature of a task (e.g., making it easier), show great potential to motivate users and increase performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]