Loot Boxes
Ongoing coverage on Loot Boxes.
Latest coverage
TiMi Studio Group's Pokémon Unite to shut down on March 23, 2027
The Pokémon Company has announced that the MOBA title Pokémon Unite, developed by TiMi Studio Group, will be shut down on March 23, 2027, for both Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. As of October 27, 2026, players can no longer purchase the in-game currency Aeos gems, though existing gems can be used until the shutdown. The game was previously discontinued in Belgium and the Netherlands due to loot box regulations.
Multiple Games With Loot Boxes Become PEGI 16
PEGI has updated its age rating system, classifying games with paid random rewards, commonly known as loot boxes, as PEGI 16. This change affects popular titles like Pokemon GO, EA Sports FC, and Mario Kart Tour, which will now carry a 'Paid Random Items' warning label. The new policy, which began applying to newly submitted games in June 2026, is now retroactively impacting existing digital-only games across Europe and the UK.
Star Wars: Battlefront 3 reportedly being co-developed by Battlefield studio DICE and Apex Legends studio Respawn
Electronic Arts is reportedly co-developing Star Wars: Battlefront 3 between DICE and Respawn Entertainment, following recent layoffs and studio closures. This news comes amid rumors and follows the troubled launch and subsequent overhaul of Star Wars: Battlefront 2, which was heavily criticized for its loot box mechanics.
From Slots to Skill Trees: Where Xbox and Casino Games Meet
This article analyzes the intersection of Xbox games and casino mechanics, particularly focusing on how elements like wheelspins in Forza Horizon 6 borrow from slot machines. It contrasts these with progression systems in games like Starfield and Sea of Thieves, which lack random elements. The piece clarifies that while games may use casino-like staging, they are not gambling products unless real money can be withdrawn, a distinction highlighted by regulatory frameworks in places like Ontario.
EA Sports FC 27 gets a PEGI 16 rating in Europe because of loot boxes
European game rating agency PEGI has begun increasing age ratings for games containing "paid random items," leading to EA Sports FC 27 receiving a PEGI 16 rating due to its loot boxes and in-game purchases. This contrasts with EA Sports FC 25, which retains a PEGI 3 rating. North America's ESRB will not follow suit, maintaining an E rating for EA Sports FC 27.
Games with loot boxes and other "paid random items" re-rated PEGI 16 as new rules come into force, hopefully cutting down on kids gambling somewhat
European ratings board PEGI has updated its rules, re-rating games with loot boxes and other paid random items to a minimum of PEGI 16. This change aims to reduce the accessibility of predatory mechanics to younger players. While the focus is on paid random items, other proposed changes regarding NFTs and battle passes are also mentioned.
European age-ratings body PEGI begins raising age-limit of loot box games, like EA Sports FC, to 16
The European video game age rating agency PEGI has begun increasing the age ratings of digital games featuring loot boxes to 16. This stricter approach, which started in June for newly submitted games, is now being applied to existing digital-only titles rated PEGI 3, 7, or 12. Games like EA Sports FC and Zenless Zone Zero are among those affected, signaling a shift in how loot box mechanics are perceived and rated.
Bungie and Respawn in talks for Star Wars Battlefront 3 claim insiders
Insiders suggest that Lucasfilm Games is in discussions with multiple studios, including Bungie, Respawn Entertainment, and DICE, regarding the development of Star Wars Battlefront 3. While DICE previously developed the series, Bungie's expertise in gunplay is seen as a potential advantage over the criticized mechanics of Star Wars Battlefront 2. The future of the franchise is considered a central part of Lucasfilm Games' strategy.
Star Wars Battlefront 3 Could End Up Developed by Bungie – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Bungie is in discussions to develop Star Wars Battlefront 3, potentially shifting the franchise away from DICE and EA. While the game is not confirmed to be in development, Disney is reportedly exploring options due to past controversies with EA's Star Wars Battlefront 2, particularly regarding its loot box system.
PEGI begins moving existing digital-only games with loot boxes up to a 16 rating
Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) is updating its rating system to assign a PEGI 16 rating to existing digital-only games that contain paid loot boxes, provided they were previously rated PEGI 3, 7, or 12. The Games Rating Authority (GRA) in the UK has begun implementing these changes, which will roll out through October. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America has stated it will not adopt similar changes.
What Can Online Casino Games Learn From Xbox Game Design?
Microsoft's Xbox platform, particularly its Xbox 360 achievements and Gamerscore system, has significantly influenced modern game design and has been adopted by various sectors, including online casinos. While online gambling operators have incorporated social gaming elements and personalization inspired by Xbox, careful consideration of regulatory and societal differences is crucial. The article explores how concepts like achievements, leaderboards, and personalized recommendations are used in both gaming and online casinos, while also highlighting the distinct challenges and responsibilities within the gambling industry.
Quake Champions takes a shower, shedding all its 2017 live-service grime and becoming a $10 game
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play live-service model to a one-time $10 purchase on Steam. The update removes all live-service elements, including Battle Passes, challenges, stores, and loot boxes, making all champions and most vanity content available to all players. While no further content updates are planned, the game is considered improved by shedding its live-service grime.
The EU KIDS Act: What game developers need to know
The proposed EU KIDS Act introduces significant restrictions for online games sold in EU territories, particularly concerning minors under 18. Key provisions include prohibitions on features like login bonuses and penalties for not playing, restrictions on interactions between minors, and new regulations for AI companions. The act also touches upon virtual currency transparency and lootboxes, though their inclusion in the operative text for games is unclear. Game developers must assess how these regulations will impact core gameplay mechanics and design choices.
What Valve's Steam Community Market Overhaul Teaches Us About Digital Item Economies - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Valve's recent overhaul of the Steam Community Market, featuring new item pages and dynamic filters, highlights the importance of transparency and scarcity in digital item economies. The update allows for more granular verification of item conditions, improving trust and efficiency for traders.
The Best Video Games With Gambling Scenes For Modern Digital Entertainment
This article highlights video games featuring gambling scenes, despite increasing regulatory scrutiny on in-game gambling mechanics like loot boxes. Titles such as Grand Theft Auto Online, Red Dead Redemption 2, Fallout: New Vegas, and the poker-inspired roguelike Balatro are discussed for their engaging gambling elements.
It's me, I am the whale
A player discusses their experience with a limited-time loot box event in Star Trek Online for the game's 60th anniversary. Despite acknowledging the irresponsible spending, the player expresses satisfaction with acquiring the new Constitution Pilot Multi-Mission Cruiser.
Bizarre EA Sports FC 27 bug is putting players in bikinis
Players of EA Sports FC 27, currently in early access, are encountering a bizarre bug where female characters appear in bikinis among male players. This glitch has sparked humorous comparisons to Grand Theft Auto 6 and discussions about the game's age rating, which was recently updated to 16 due to loot box inclusion. Other reported issues include an unplayable career mode.
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.
