Loot Boxes Come Under Fire In Europe, Australia, And Finland

Jason Winter
By Jason Winter, News Editor
Share:

If you hate Mondays, just think of how the developers of games that have loot boxes must hate them -- or at least this Monday, in particular. Stories about the investigation and potential legislation of loot boxes are breaking out all around the world, so let's take you on a grand tour of today's most tantalizing tidbits:

  • In Europe, 15 gambling regulators (along with one from the U.S.) have come together to "address the risks created by the blurring of lines between gaming and gambling." While CS:GO skin-betting appears to be at the heart of their concern, the committee also plans to "ensure that features within games, such as loot boxes, do not constitute gambling under national laws." This committee is notable for its multi-national makeup, whereas previous anti-loot box measures have been taken up by separate countries. (Eurogamer)

  • That doesn't mean individual nations aren't still making their own judgments. The Australian Environment and Communications References Committee began investigating loot boxes in June and published its results today. Some of the strongest statements in the summary include: "loot boxes are psychologically akin to gambling," "there is a serious risk for loot boxes to cause gambling-related harm," and "Loot boxes provide games companies with an unregulated way of exploiting gambling disorders amongst their customers."

    The committee recommends that games with loot boxes display parental advisories and also be restricted to players of a certain age. It also lays a bit of a smackdown on game developers who claim that loot boxes are harmless and Totally Not Gambling, stating that "they meet the 'psychological criteria' to be considered gambling themselves." (Lexology)

  • Finally, there's Finland, where the Finnish Lottery Authority has determined that "certain features of a video game containing loot boxing seem to meet the lottery definition." Loot boxes are unlikely to be rendered illegal in the country, but lottery laws might be amended to account for their presence. It also references CS:GO boxes and their hefty value on the secondary market, or at least that's the best we can make out using Google Translate. (Source)

    • Related Articles

    Share:
    Got a news tip? Contact us directly here!
    In this article: Valve, Loot Boxes, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

    About the Author

    Jason Winter
    Jason Winter, News Editor
    Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.

    Discussion (0)

    Read Next

    LotRO Fans Get Reassurance From Middle-earth Enterprises

    LotRO Fans Get Reassurance From Middle-earth Enterprises

    Lord of the Rings Online fans have faced this question before: Will our game shut down?...

    By Jason Winter - 4 years ago

    You May Enjoy

    World Of Warcraft Classic Announces Return Of Level 55 Death Knight Character Creation Restriction

    World Of Warcraft Classic Announces Return Of Level 55 Death Knight Character Creation Restriction

    Open Death Knight creation just makes it too easy for people to start exploiting the game.

    By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 week ago
    Go Hands On With Free-To-Play Digital Card Game Warhammer 40,000: Warpforge During The Steam Digital Tabletop Event

    Go Hands On With Free-To-Play Digital Card Game Warhammer 40,000: Warpforge During The Steam Digital Tabletop Event

    40K fan rejoice, you have a new free-to-play CCG to try this weekend.

    By Troy Blackburn - 2 days ago
    Canadian Judge Rejects "Unlawful Gambling" Accusation In EA Loot Box Class-Action Lawsuit

    Canadian Judge Rejects "Unlawful Gambling" Accusation In EA Loot Box Class-Action Lawsuit

    The claim may proceed, around "unconscionability," but not around gambling.

    By Matthew D'Onofrio - 3 days ago
    Reloaded Update Hits Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 And Warzone 2 Today, Plus Get Five Days Free Multiplayer Access

    Reloaded Update Hits Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 And Warzone 2 Today, Plus Get Five Days Free Multiplayer Access

    Reloaded is here and you can play multiplayer for free for five days.

    By Troy Blackburn - 1 week ago
    GDC 2023: Nexon Drops New Trailer For Upcoming Free-To-Play Tactical Shooter Veiled Experts, Final Beta Soon

    GDC 2023: Nexon Drops New Trailer For Upcoming Free-To-Play Tactical Shooter Veiled Experts, Final Beta Soon

    The final beta test runs from March 30 to April 6. Registration available now.

    By Matthew D'Onofrio - 4 days ago
    Divine Knockout’s Next Update Brings Changes To The Talent System And Progression

    Divine Knockout’s Next Update Brings Changes To The Talent System And Progression

    The idea behind the changes is to make player choice matter.

    By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 week ago