Play, Spend, Repeat
What video games are teaching your children about money
Date & time
26 October - 31 October 2026
Event format
Attend event in person
Event type
Exhibition
Event topic
Business, finance & economics, Family relationships, Money & finance, Technology and us
Audience
Children & families, All
Academic discipline
Education, Law, Psychology
Venue
Winter Gardens, Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 2LH
Money & finance theme
What's on offer?
Exhibit exploring video games and money.
What's it about?
From Fortnite’s V-Bucks to mystery loot boxes, modern video games are filled with virtual economies. But how do these digital mechanics shape young minds?
Based on research by Dr Sheli Smith from the School of Law, Play, Spend, Repeat is an interactive, family-friendly installation exploring how video games shape children’s attitudes toward money, risk and reward. Learn about the various monetisation mechanics used in games, the problematic link between in-game spending and gambling, and how to assess the financial and psychological risks of different video games.
The exhibition also invites you to take part in fun activities exploring the financial concepts and spending mechanics present in the games you and your family play, as well as how these factors may influence real-world financial literacy and behaviour. Experience variable reward mechanics firsthand at the “Loot Box Lab,” play the “Money Lessons Game,” and share your own gaming experiences.
Who's leading the event?
Dr Sheli Smith, Research Associate, Dr Claire Burdfield, University Teacher in Marketing and Cultural Creative Industries and Professor Hesam Olya, Chair in Cultural and Creative Industries
Open to
Open to all
Of particular interest to
Families and young people who play video games.
Event Booking details
No booking required. Drop-in during opening hours.
Scheduling information
8.00am - 8.00pm daily
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