Loot Boxes
Ongoing coverage on Loot Boxes.
Latest coverage
What’s changing in PEGI from June—and who it will affect | Invision Game Community
Starting in June 2025, the PEGI age rating system will implement new criteria that tie specific game mechanics to age thresholds. Games featuring loot boxes and other paid random items will be rated PEGI 16, while those with NFTs and blockchain elements will be PEGI 18. Time-limited offers will be PEGI 12, and daily rewards will be PEGI 7 or PEGI 12 depending on penalties for absence. Unrestricted player-to-player communication will result in a PEGI 18 rating unless safeguards are in place.
Overwatch promises to bring ‘more than loot boxes’ and other revisions to its 10th anniversary
Following fan disappointment with its 10th anniversary celebration, Blizzard game director Aaron Keller confirmed that Overwatch will receive revisions beyond just loot boxes. The in-game event will offer more loot boxes with reduced requirements, and further celebrations throughout the year will include a season-long event and expanded base rewards.
While showering fans in loot boxes, Overwatch director agrees the game's 10th anniversary disappoints and promises…
Overwatch director Aaron Keller acknowledged player disappointment with the game's 10th-anniversary event, which offered loot boxes and recolored skins. He promised that the entire year would be a celebration, with increased loot box rewards in the coming weeks and more content planned for Season 3 to compensate for the lackluster initial event.
Overwatch adds more loot boxes to ‘one-off’ 10th anniversary following complaints
Following player complaints about lackluster rewards, Blizzard Entertainment is increasing the number of loot boxes available during Overwatch's 10th anniversary event. Game director Aaron Keller acknowledged the feedback and stated that while the current event is a one-off, the team plans to deliver more rewards throughout the year, including an additional season-long event.
Overwatch adds more loot boxes to ‘one-off’ 10th anniversary following complaints
Following player complaints about lackluster rewards during its 10th-anniversary event, Blizzard Entertainment is increasing the number of loot boxes players can earn. Game director Aaron Keller acknowledged the feedback and stated that while the current event is a one-off, the studio plans to offer more rewards throughout the year, including an additional season-long event.
"We want to ensure gamers are part of those conversations": Stop Killing Games launch player advocacy group to lobby the UK government
The Stop Killing Games campaign has launched a new UK advocacy group called Gamers' Voice to lobby the UK government on issues such as game preservation, live-service shutdowns, and online safety. The organization aims to ensure that gamers' perspectives are included in policy discussions affecting digital ownership and access to games. Gamers' Voice has already begun engaging with parliamentarians and aims to represent player interests in the UK.
How Online Pokies Quietly Borrowed Their Playbook From Video Games
Online pokies have increasingly adopted production values, design language, and progression mechanics from mainstream video games, a trend particularly evident in Australia due to high console ownership and gambling rates. This convergence includes cinematic intros, named characters, achievement systems, and procedural generation, blurring the lines between gambling and gaming. Regulators are examining this overlap, especially concerning mechanics like loot boxes in video games that share similarities with slot machine engagement.
How RNG Shapes the Way We Play, Spend, and Stay Engaged
Random Number Generation (RNG) is a core mechanic in video games and regulated online casino games, driving player engagement through uncertainty and suspense. While RNG software generates random outcomes, game design elements like weighted probabilities and "near miss" scenarios further enhance anticipation and encourage continued play. The article notes the similarities between video game loot boxes and gambling mechanics, highlighting potential risks and advising responsible spending.
Modern Games Are Designed to Keep You Hooked: Here’s How
Modern video games are increasingly designed around player retention through mechanics like daily rewards, timed events, and battle passes, rather than solely on gameplay spectacle. PEGI's upcoming rating changes for 2026 reflect this shift by classifying interactive features like loot boxes and timed purchases, acknowledging the growing scrutiny on video game monetization strategies.
Why Some Xbox Hits Feel Closer to a Casino Floor Than an Arcade
Modern Xbox games increasingly utilize retention systems like loot boxes and battle passes, borrowing psychological tactics from casinos to encourage continued engagement. Titles such as EA SPORTS FC 25, Overwatch 2, and NBA 2K25 feature randomized acquisition, ladder progression, and collection pressure as core engagement mechanics. While not literal casinos, these games employ uncertainty and the promise of reward to keep players invested in their service and sports loops.
Overwatch Player Gets Worst Possible Esports Loot Box Pull
An Overwatch player shared their disappointing experience with an Esports Loot Box, receiving what they described as the worst possible pull. This incident highlights ongoing community frustration with loot box systems and RNG in gaming, particularly when desirable esports cosmetics are involved. The player found a silver lining in a good away skin and shared the experience to connect with others facing similar RNG frustrations.
"Nobody wants their games to look like Italian brainrot" - Indie publisher New Blood CEO urges devs to push back against DLSS 5 just like they did with NFTs and crypto games
New Blood CEO Dave Oshry is urging game developers to resist Nvidia's DLSS 5 and generative AI graphics tools, comparing the push to the backlash against NFTs and crypto games. Oshry and developer David Szymanski express concerns that these technologies are becoming mandatory, driving up costs, and potentially compromising game art and performance. They advocate for prioritizing consistent framerates, sharp resolution, and affordable hardware over AI-driven features.
Valve hit with a double legal blow over loot boxes | Invision Game Community
Valve is facing two simultaneous legal challenges regarding its use of loot boxes. A class-action lawsuit filed by consumers alleges that Valve operates an illegal gambling scheme through these in-game mechanics. Additionally, New York State authorities have initiated their own proceedings, also linking loot boxes to gambling practices. These cases could set precedents for the entire gaming industry.
I think Mario Kart Tour just became the first-ever 18+ Mario game
Mario Kart Tour has been rated 18+ in Brazil, making it the first Mario game to receive a mature rating. While the exact reason has not been officially disclosed by Nintendo, it is believed to be related to the game's past gambling and loot box mechanics, specifically its 'Spotlight Pipes' which were removed in 2022.
Mario Kart Tour rating raised to 18+ in Brazil
Mario Kart Tour has been re-rated to 18+ in Brazil, one of the highest age classifications in the country. While Nintendo has not officially commented, speculation suggests that the inclusion of gambling mechanics or loot boxes may be the reason for the rating change.
Switch 2's New Feature: Epic Power Drain, Epic Gaming G... | TAG
Several gaming updates include Shenmue III's enhanced edition releasing on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, featuring 4K textures and UI improvements. Nintendo's Switch 2 may introduce a 'Handheld Boost Mode' that enhances performance at the cost of battery life. Concerns are rising over AI's use in new The Wheel of Time projects, while Crimson Desert players are frustrated with its controls. Bungie confirmed Marathon's endgame is weekend-exclusive, and Spider-Man's trailer broke GTA 6's view record. Netflix's live-action Assassin's Creed series has begun filming, and Fortnite's Chapter 7, Season 2 NPCs have been detailed. McDonald's is featuring Luma in its Super Mario Galaxy kids' meal toys, and the ESRB will not adopt Europe's new age rating criteria for paid random items. Vampire Crawlers is set for an April release.
Mario Kart Tour is now 18+ in Brazil
Mario Kart Tour's age rating in Brazil has been increased to 18+ due to concerns over gambling and loot box mechanics. This change follows similar actions in other countries and the game's previous ban in Belgium. Nintendo is also removing gacha elements from the game later this month.
US regulator won't follow Europe's lead and stick higher age ratings on games with loot boxes and daily quests, since it might confuse parents
The ESRB in the US will not follow PEGI's lead in assigning higher age ratings for games with loot boxes or daily quests, citing potential confusion for parents. PEGI plans to update its rating criteria to include these features, while the ESRB will continue to base ratings solely on content and context. Both organizations acknowledge the difficulty in balancing informative ratings with parental understanding.
"It could be confusing" - US game age ratings won't change like they will in Europe, ESRB says
The ESRB in the US will not adopt PEGI's new approach to game age ratings, which includes factoring in elements like paid random items. The ESRB believes this could confuse parents and prefers to use separate labels for such features. PEGI, however, is integrating these factors into its ratings to better address potential dangers to younger players, with changes taking effect in June.
Counter-Strike 2 Drops X-Ray Scanner for German & Dutch Players
Valve has implemented an X-Ray Scanner feature in Counter-Strike 2 for players in Germany and the Netherlands to comply with EU gambling laws regarding loot boxes. This scanner allows players to see the contents of containers before opening them, removing the element of chance. The change has sparked debate about its impact on the game's economy and the excitement of opening containers.
