In-game Purchases
Ongoing coverage on In-game Purchases.
Latest coverage
PEGI's loot box rule changes are welcome, but they should be retrospective | Opinion
This opinion piece discusses PEGI's new rule requiring games with paid random items to be rated PEGI 16, noting that the rule only applies to newly submitted titles. The author argues that this non-retroactive approach fails to protect players of popular existing games with loot boxes and raises anti-competition concerns. The article also touches on the varying international approaches to loot box regulation and the importance of monitoring implementation.
Game age rating system PEGI to get big changes for in-game items and online play
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system is implementing significant changes to how games are classified, particularly concerning in-game items and online interactions. New categories will address paid random items, time-limited offers, NFTs, blockchain mechanisms, daily quests, and communication features, with updated ratings coming into effect in June 2026.
Games with loot boxes will be rated PEGI 16 from June, as part of sweeping changes to the age-rating system
Starting in June, the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age-rating system will classify games with paid random items, such as loot boxes, as PEGI 16. The updated system also considers in-game purchases, online communication, and incentives to play, with new ratings for battle passes and daily quests. PEGI director Dirk Bosmans explained these changes aim to provide parents with more informed guidance by accounting for 'online interactive risks'.
Marathon players are getting slightly more Lux and actual rewards in the S1 Rewards Pass
Bungie is updating Marathon's Season 1 Rewards Pass to include more desirable rewards and incentives for purchasing in-game currency, Lux. The changes address player feedback regarding the pass's initial lack of exciting content and the perceived poor value of Lux purchases. Future updates in mid-April will also introduce free Arachne-themed skins.
Valve Addresses New York Loot Box Lawsuit: "We Refuse To Do That"
Valve has publicly responded to a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General, which claims that the company's loot box mechanics constitute illegal gambling. Valve denies these claims, arguing that loot boxes are akin to physical collectibles and that players are not required to engage with them. The company also stated it refuses to remove item transferability or implement invasive user data collection as demanded by the Attorney General.
World of Warcraft players revolt over ‘comically overpriced’ cash shop housing items
Players of World of Warcraft are expressing outrage over the high prices of new cosmetic housing items available in the in-game cash shop. Initially, decor packs were priced at $25, with individual items like a cherry blossom tree costing $7.50. Following backlash, one pack was repriced to $2.50, but many players still consider the items 'comically overpriced'.
World of Warcraft: Midnight talks PvP challenges, Season 1, soundtrack, and housing packs
Blizzard Entertainment has detailed upcoming Player versus Player content for World of Warcraft: Midnight Season 1, including the new Slayer's Rise battleground and world PvP objectives. The article also mentions the release of the official 31-song soundtrack and various in-game purchases for housing and mounts.