Admit it: at some point or another, you have seen a toy or some other prize in a claw machine that inspired you to empty out all of the quarters in your pocket. This may have happened more than once. When we were younger, the claw machine seemed like an incredible machine; it was like a glass toy box filled with things that dreams are made of. As adults, they are frequently seen as a test of one’s mettle; for example, “will you win that stuffed KISS doll or not?” Will the claw finally manage to get a hold of that stuffed Ghostbuster? What if you chose Betty Boop instead of the other option? – At times, this would frustrate us to the point where we would lose all of the cash that we had on us. Claw machines, also known as merchandisers, have been around for several decades. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that they began to gain widespread attention. Since then, their popularity has continued to skyrocket all the way into the 21st century. But what is it exactly about these things that has such a hold on our attention? It can’t just be the prizes, because the majority of the time there isn’t anything all that impressive for the claw to grab. And yet, it still has a hold on us, compelling us to hand over the cash and causing children all over the world to hand over their hard-earned tooth fairy money.
Some people are only interested in winning the prize. Maybe there’s a particular doll, a piece of jewellery, or an otherwise pricey electronic device that piques our interest in the game. Others see it as a fun and challenging opportunity to showcase their talent and expertise, and they relish the prospect of taking on this endeavour. Still, the thrill of victory is what keeps others coming back for more. Whatever the reason may be, the fact of the matter is that people are attracted to claw machines like magnets, and they will continue to pop their laundry-stack change into the game slots whenever they should happen to come across one in an arcade, movie theatre, bowling alley, or near the exit of their local grocery store. The United States of America is a nation that is socialised to win, and this is possibly one of the most significant reasons that people in this country take their chances on these machines. There is unquestionably no indication that the claw machine will be relocated in the near future.