Is Paying for Packs in a Video Game Gambling?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I’ve got a question about opening packs in a game. In a game (apex), you have an heirloom (in-game item reward), and you get that only through the packs you open. Is paying for packs in-game gambling? However, if you get free ones and open those, then you didn’t spend money on them, and it is allowed, I think.

The thing is, in games like FIFA, when you open packs, the reward is unsure and is gambling. But in apex, you get the heirloom for sure. If you open 500 packs and the reward is sure, is it allowed to open packs from battle passes and such to get the heirloom(item)?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

Yes, paying for the packs in the above game will be considered gambling. You do not know what you are getting by paying for a pack. If they are free, then it would be permissible. However, video games with battle scenes, shooting, and violent natured will are impermissible and should be avoided.

Shari’a Position of Battle Games

Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale-hero shooter game. As with all video games with a battle scene, shooting, violent natured, vulgar language, etc., they are impermissible and should be avoided. One should not play these types of games. Many video games are a form of monetization (see link below). Even though initially they will have free packs, it will move you onto buying packs after some form of addiction.

Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) said the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.” [Bukhari]

Video Games that have no Haram Element

One can play games that do not contain haram elements. However, they do not benefit an individual in any way, like simple racing games, Tetris, etc., or games that have the potential to benefit an individual, like mind games such as crosswords, sudoku, etc.

Play Real Games

Scholars’ advice would be to play or have your children play real games. Do activities that exercise the body, like sports, swimming, trekking, or bicycling; entertain yourself and your family with pastimes that stimulate and enhance the mind and build strong family bonds. Get out in nature, learn crafts, learn bird, tree, and plant names, and stroll in parks, gardens, and the countryside.

Violent Video Games Decrease Self-Control

Computer games have minimal mental benefit in the face of the emotional and psychological detriment they cause. (See link below) Get out in nature, learn crafts, learn bird and tree names, and sing.

Finally, any type of gameplay, physical or permissible virtual gameplay, should be done to enhance your health, strengthen your mind, and/or bring you and your family members closer together, all with the deeper intention of earning Allah’s pleasure.

Check these links:
Are Video Games Containing Violence and Indecency Impermissible? (seekersguidance.org)
Is It Haram to Play Video Games? – SeekersGuidance
The Dark History of Video Game Monetization – Bing video
Video game monetization – Statistics & Facts | Statista
Violent Video Games Decrease Self-Control | Psychology Today

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I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani