A Qualitative Case Study on Adolescents' Addiction to Gacha Game Item Purchases and Their Experiences in Overcoming Addiction

This study examined adolescents’ experiences of overdependence on loot box (gacha) purchases and their recovery. Three adolescents with such experiences were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via in-depth interviews and analyzed using a qualitative case study approach. The findings revealed five major themes, thirteen subthemes, and twenty-nine meaning units. Shared themes across the dependency and recovery phases included: (a) goal-oriented use of loot boxes, (b) emotional experiences, (c) awareness of overdependence, (d) recovery efforts and success, and (e) personal change. Unique aspects of each participant were also described through within-case analysis. This study highlights adolescents’ voluntary recovery efforts and offers implications for educational and counseling support.