The Swedish Government is investigating the use of loot boxes because they are seen as a form of gambling.
Sweden is the latest country to join the anti loot box movement. Belgium was the first country to begin the investigation that started last year. With it being outlined in a report by the Belgian Gaming Commision that “mixture of money and addiction is a game of chance.”
Loot boxes in video games allow players to get unique equipment, collectables, or any beneficial items that may assist them in the game they are playing. Loot boxes are attainable by either completing certain tasks or by paying real money. Games like Star War Battlefront II and Overwatch use loot boxes.
“The crate mechanics of Star Wars Battlefront II are not gambling,” EA said. “A player’s ability to succeed in the game is not dependent on purchasing crates. Players can also earn crates through playing the game and not spending any money at all. Once obtained, players are always guaranteed to receive content that can be used in game.”
Koen Greens, Belgian Minister of Justice and the Belgian gaming commission appear to disagree with EA’s statement. Greens said that “putting gambling in gaming is dangerous for the mental health of children, who may be tempted to buy loot boxes.”
Ardalan Shekarabi, the Swedish minister of civil affairs, said that he is going to request the authorities to closely examine the use of loot boxes and determine if there is a need to update the current legislation. “We are working to regain control of the gaming market as soon as possible and ensure that Swedish consumer protection rules apply to all actors involved in gaming,” said Shekarabi.
The goal is to have a new legislation completed and ready enact by January of 2019. The original story can be found here.
Liked this article and want to read more like it? Check out Nathan Shubert’s ESRB Comments on Rating Games That Feature Loot Box Systems and French Senator Durain Addresses Loot Box and Micro-Transactions in Letter.
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