Loot Boxes
Ongoing coverage on Loot Boxes.
Latest coverage
Draft of new EU law proposes sweeping restrictions on online games
The EU Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, which would introduce significant restrictions on online games sold within EU territories. These proposed rules aim to curb excessive use by minors, restrict communication between users, and increase transparency on in-game currencies and lootboxes. Separately, Nex Playground announced securing $150 million in funding as its active console sales surpass one million units, with plans for international expansion.
Volatility and Difficulty Curves: What Game Designers Borrow From Slot Maths
This article analyzes how game designers borrow mathematical principles from slot machines, particularly variable ratio reinforcement schedules and near-miss mechanics, to create engaging player loops. It explains how unpredictable rewards and carefully tuned difficulty curves, akin to slot volatility, keep players hooked by mimicking the psychological hooks found in gambling.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Includes a Season Pass, Classic Namco Titles in Online Lobbies
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will feature a multiplayer lobby system with classic Namco titles like Pac-Man and a two-month seasonal pass that includes DLC aircraft. Pre-ordering the game for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC will grant players Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. The game launches October 2nd.
EA FC 27’s Loot Box Row Is a Reminder That Not All Chance-Based Games Play by the Same Rules
EA Sports FC 27 has received a PEGI 16 rating due to its Ultimate Team mode's loot boxes, a first for the franchise. This change highlights ongoing concerns comparing these mechanics to gambling, especially as regulated online slots show growth under tighter rules, while EA's pack economy remains less transparent. The article questions the disclosure differences between regulated gambling and in-game purchases.
The Unseen Parallels Between Modern Gaming and Online Casinos
This article draws parallels between the modern gaming industry and online casinos, highlighting similarities in loot boxes, aesthetics, and community features. It suggests that these converging elements offer players a more seamless and engaging experience across both digital entertainment forms.
Sweepstakes Casinos Are Catching the Eye of the Console Gaming Crowd
Sweepstakes casinos, a promotional structure designed to circumvent gambling laws by offering a free entry route, are prevalent in the US but largely absent in the UK due to the latter's established licensed online gambling market. The article explains the mechanics of sweepstakes casinos, contrasting them with UK licensed casinos and console loot boxes, and notes that the US model is facing increasing legal challenges and contraction.
Console Gamers Bring Sharp Instincts to Their First Real-Money Slot Gameplay
Console gamers often misunderstand real-money slot gameplay due to ingrained instincts from video games, which have skill layers absent in slots. While both involve randomness, slots are designed for the operator's profit, unlike games where player skill influences outcomes. Understanding concepts like Return-to-Player (RTP) and volatility is crucial, similar to reading game specifications, as slots offer no skill-based advantage.
The World Cup is getting serious – best bring Shrek into the new FIFA Heroes game where you can spend £99.99 on in-app purchases – kill me now
The mobile game FIFA Heroes has introduced a Shrek-themed Season Pass, which includes expensive in-app purchases up to £99.99, loot boxes, and advertising, despite a 9+ age rating. The article criticizes the monetization strategy, particularly its presence in a game accessible to children, and questions the inclusion of mythical characters alongside football icons.
How Video Game Monetisation Models Have Evolved Beyond Loot Boxes | Invision Game Community
Video game monetization has evolved significantly from a buy-to-own model to include battle passes, cosmetic stores, and premium currencies, largely driven by the shift away from loot boxes due to regulatory scrutiny. Games like Fortnite demonstrate the success of battle pass and cosmetic-focused models, generating substantial revenue and influencing the broader live-service game market. Sustainable growth in the industry now hinges on maintaining player trust through transparent and fair monetization practices.
Chance-Based Game Mechanics Explained: What Xbox Players Should Know
This guide explains chance-based mechanics common in modern Xbox games, such as loot boxes and gacha pulls, differentiating them from real-money gambling. It defines terms like odds, RTP, and house edge, and provides a checklist for players and parents to assess spending risks and safer play habits. The article emphasizes treating these systems as mathematical structures rather than skill tests and utilizing Xbox's built-in spending controls.
A toast to the wild west weirdos of the MMO goldrush—from the game that unleashed pandora's lootbox, to a deeply strange mess based off a 1996 science fiction novel
This article reflects on the unique and often strange MMOs from the genre's goldrush era between 2005-2015, highlighting games like Zhengtu Online, which pioneered lootboxes, and The Matrix Online, an ambitious early example of live service elements. It contrasts these experimental titles with the more risk-averse nature of modern game development, suggesting that such creative and peculiar games are unlikely to emerge today.
Achievement Unlocked
A new player in the space MMO EVE Online received an exceptionally rare ship, valued at $7,000, from a free loot box. This fortunate event has provided the player with significant in-game wealth, leading to surprise and disbelief.
An EVE newbie got an impossibly rare $7,000 ship out of a free loot box, leaving him set for life in the space MMO:…
A six-month EVE Online player received an extremely rare Titan-class Molok ship blueprint, valued at approximately $7,000 USD, from a loot box during the Crimson Harvest event. This player, a newcomer to the 23-year-old MMO, managed to sell the blueprint for 700 billion ISK, securing their in-game subscription and a significant fortune. Community managers Peter Farrell and Maziar Shahsafdari expressed surprise and relief that the player recognized the item's value and avoided scams.
Harm without a home: Roblox casinos, loot boxes, and responsibility avoidance
Roblox-based gambling site BloxFlip has returned, highlighting a global failure in regulating digital products targeted at young audiences. Despite evidence of illegal gambling and loot box mechanics in games like CS2 and on platforms like Steam, regulatory bodies worldwide have shown a significant lack of enforcement, leading to continued harm and responsibility avoidance by companies.
Valve attempt to get the New York lootbox lawsuit dismissed as "People enjoy surprises"
Valve is attempting to have a New York lawsuit regarding lootboxes dismissed, arguing that "people enjoy surprises" and comparing them to collectibles like baseball cards. The company's legal team filed a memo asserting that New York's interpretation of gambling laws is overly broad and could criminalize common commercial transactions. This case, filed by the New York Attorney General, could have significant legal implications if it proceeds.
New York's case that Steam lootboxes are "gambling" is a free speech violation that "will have an impermissible chilling effect on protected videogame design", argue Valve
Valve is arguing in a New York court that lootboxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 should not be classified as gambling, asserting that randomized rewards are not real-value items and that regulating them would violate free speech protections for game design. The company contends that the attorney general lacks the authority to enforce such regulations and that the lawsuit could stifle creativity in game development, particularly for aesthetic items like skins.
Evening Legal Briefs
Valve has requested a New York court to dismiss a lawsuit concerning Counter-Strike's loot boxes, arguing that equating them to gambling is illogical. The company stated that players enjoy the element of surprise in the game's mechanics.
Valve asks New York court to dismiss Counter-Strike lawsuit, says 'people enjoy surprises' and equating loot…
Valve has asked a New York court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James, which claims that Counter-Strike 2's item boxes constitute illegal gambling. Valve argues that players always receive what they pay for and that loot boxes are akin to collectibles like baseball cards, which are not considered gambling.
'People Enjoy Surprises' — Valve Is Trying to Dismiss New York's Counter-Strike Loot Box Lawsuit
Valve is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General, which alleges that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 constitute illegal gambling and pose a risk of child addiction. The company argues against the claims made in the legal action.
With a straight face, Valve insists Counter-Strike 2 cases are fine and "people enjoy surprises" in move to…
Valve has responded to a lawsuit filed by the state of New York regarding Counter-Strike 2's loot box system, arguing that it is not gambling and that players enjoy the element of surprise. The company claims that banning such randomized item purchases could impact numerous commonplace commercial transactions, drawing parallels to collectibles like baseball cards. Valve asserts that CS2 skins are primarily for entertainment and have subjective aesthetic value.
