Ricki Yasha TarrDec 18, 2024

So, apparently this Claw Machine appeared in my brother's office overnight. I don't know why, but it just looks dystopian, like an episode of Black Mirror. He asked about it, and they told him it was put there to boost morale over the holidays. One might think it would be free to play then, right? Oh no, you have to do extra work to earn tokens or pay. Nothing like Upper Management to both demoralize and insult everyone with their Morale Boosting plan.

JUST.
GIVE.
PEOPLE.
MORE.
MONEY.

Show threadRicki Yasha TarrDec 18, 2024
It's also really obviously filled with cheap dollar store shit, that most adults aren't even going to want.
Show thread2xfoDec 18, 2024

@RickiTarr
I forget the show i was watching where the guy installing the claw machine said "you can actually set it to pay out every time and still make a profit but people won't think it's fun"

(These things are designed to drop whatever you grabbed x% of the time, where x is set by the operator.) (I wonder if employees will think this one is "fun")

Show threadmadopalDec 18, 2024

@RnDanger @RickiTarr Thiiiis. I worked in coin-op for years, and these things are engineered to cheat you out of money.

So it's a fitting empty gesture by management.

Show threadBattleBot23
@madopal @RnDanger I’ve read that they have a pre-determined win rate similar to a slot machine. Skill be damned if you bought a losing round.
Dec 18, 2024 at 3:27pmMastodon for iOS
Show thread2xfoDec 18, 2024
@bot23 @madopal
It's true. I used to work on them. It used to be visible on the machines i worked on, there's a little catch up top that can release and then the claw will hold no grip at all.
Show threadmadopalDec 18, 2024
@RnDanger @bot23 And since they're unregulated, the rate can be through the floor. We had the same thing on any redemption piece, you could just set the payout rate, and it routinely started at like 60%. Horrible.