Loot Boxes
Ongoing coverage on Loot Boxes.
Latest coverage
Another new lawsuit against Valve in Washington USA takes aim at lootboxes
Valve Software is facing a new class-action lawsuit in Washington, USA, targeting loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2. The lawsuit, filed by Hagens Berman, alleges that Valve uses gambling-like psychological techniques to encourage spending on loot boxes, particularly affecting minors. This adds to a series of recent legal challenges against the company regarding its monetization practices.
New lawsuit wants Valve to repay "billions" earned from "illegal gambling" lootboxes in Counter-Strike, Dota 2 and Team Fortress 2
A new class action lawsuit has been filed against Valve, accusing the company of operating an illegal gambling operation through lootbox mechanics in Counter-Strike 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2. The lawsuit seeks billions in restitution for alleged illicit profits made from these gambling features, which plaintiffs argue use psychological techniques similar to casino games and are particularly dangerous for younger players.
Evening Legal Briefs
Valve is facing a second class-action lawsuit concerning loot boxes. The legal action follows previous scrutiny over the monetization practice in video games.
Valve facing second, class-action lawsuit over loot boxes
Valve is facing a second class-action lawsuit alleging that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 constitute illegal gambling, particularly targeting children. The lawsuit claims Valve engineered these systems using casino-style tactics to extract money from consumers, and that the virtual items obtained are valuable as they can be sold for real money.
Valve sued by The Performing Right Society for allegedly using its members musical works "without permission"
The Performing Right Society (PRS) has sued Valve, alleging the unauthorized use of copyrighted music on the Steam platform. PRS claims Valve has never obtained a license for music from its members, which includes songs featured in titles like Forza Horizon, EA FC, and Grand Theft Auto. Separately, Roblox has launched two new developer programs, Incubator and Jumpstart, to support creators in building and scaling games on its platform, while also highlighting growth opportunities within its older user demographic.
Counter-Strike's 'X-ray scanner' for loot containers is coming to Germany later this month
Counter-Strike 2 players in Germany will receive an 'X-ray scanner' feature starting March 16th, allowing them to view the contents of loot containers before opening them. However, once scanned, players must purchase the revealed item before they can scan another container. This implementation comes amidst ongoing global scrutiny and legal challenges surrounding loot boxes and their potential classification as gambling.
"That would be a really big problem" - a specialist lawyer weighs in on New York suing Valve over Counter Strike 2 and Dota 2 loot boxes
New York's attorney general is suing Valve over loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, alleging they constitute illegal gambling. Lawyer Justin Jacobson explains that New York's legal framework may differ from other states, potentially allowing the suit to proceed by focusing on the actual practice and value of digital items rather than terms of service. The case's outcome could significantly impact Valve's operations in New York, especially if an injunction is issued.
What does New York's legal case against Valve mean for the company and its players? To find out, we asked a lawyer
New York's attorney general is suing Valve, alleging that loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 constitute illegal gambling. Lawyer Justin Jacobson explains that the case hinges on whether digital goods are considered a "thing of value" under New York law, which has different statutes than other states. The lawsuit could have significant financial implications for Valve, particularly if an injunction is issued in New York.
10 Worst Things In The World Of Gaming In 2020
This article lists ten of the worst aspects of the gaming industry in 2020, including issues like unfinished games, paid DLC that should have been free, advertisements in paid games, hackers and cheaters, persistent glitches, microtransactions in full-priced games, pay-to-win mechanics, and loot boxes. It also touches on the affordability of gaming as a hobby and the impact of platforms like Steam.
Valve in hot water, Discord begs forgiveness, and more game media layoffs - Patch Notes #42
This week's gaming news roundup covers significant industry events including Microsoft's Xbox leadership changes, Valve facing a lawsuit over gambling in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, and layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Eurogamer. Additionally, Krafton appointed a chief AI officer, Embark Studios' CEO became Nexon's executive chairman, and Discord delayed its age verification rollout.
New York Sues Over Valve Loot Boxes
The State of New York has filed a lawsuit against Valve Corporation, alleging that its loot box mechanics constitute illegal gambling. The suit targets the "cases" and "keys" system, seeking to halt the practice and recover profits derived from it. This legal action could significantly impact the monetization strategies of PC games and the broader live-service industry.
New York sues Valve over loot boxes, alleges gambling law violations
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging that loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 promote illegal gambling and harm minors. The lawsuit seeks to stop Valve's promotion of illegal gambling and impose fines, citing the company's billions in profits from these in-game mechanics.
Valve accused of "letting children and adults alike illegally gamble" via loot boxes in New York state lawsuit
New York State Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging the company violates gambling laws through loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 and Team Fortress 2. The lawsuit seeks to stop Valve from promoting these features, disgorge ill-gotten gains, and impose fines, citing potential harm and addiction, especially to young people.
UK advertising regulator issues Enforcement Notice targeting loot boxes
The UK's Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have issued an Enforcement Notice requiring greater transparency for loot boxes in mobile games advertised on the Google Play and Apple App Store. Companies have three months to update their listings to clearly disclose the presence of random-item purchases before enforcement action, including potential advertising bans, begins on May 26, 2026.
New York sues Valve over "illegally promoting gambling" for loot boxes
New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued Valve, alleging that the company illegally promotes gambling through loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2. The lawsuit claims these mechanics, which allow players to buy chances for valuable virtual items that can be sold for real money, are akin to slot machines and are particularly harmful to minors. Valve is accused of facilitating third-party marketplaces for these items and profiting significantly from this practice.
Valve is getting sued in New York, this time over loot boxes in Counter Strike and Dota 2
The New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, is suing Valve, alleging that the company facilitates illegal gambling through loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. The lawsuit claims that Valve profits from allowing "children and adults" to gamble on virtual items with real-world value, potentially leading to addiction. The state is seeking to permanently stop Valve's alleged illegal conduct and obtain restitution and damages for consumers.
New York sues Valve over loot box-driven gambling
New York has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging the company illegally promotes gambling through video games popular with children and teenagers. The suit targets Valve's loot box ecosystem, which the state's attorney general equates to unregulated gambling, citing games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2. The lawsuit aims to halt Valve's alleged illegal conduct and protect New York residents from the harms of gambling addiction.
How recent laws impact game design, from in-game chat to notifications
Recent and upcoming laws are significantly impacting game design, particularly concerning dark patterns, in-game chat, notifications, loot boxes, and virtual currencies. Developers must navigate regulations like the DMCCA and DSA to avoid misleading practices and ensure transparency, especially regarding in-app purchases and player interactions. The EU AI Act also introduces new labeling requirements for AI-generated content.
Student blows his university savings on video game
This article discusses the negative impact of microtransactions and loot boxes in video games like FIFA and NHL, where players spend significant amounts of money on virtual items with low chances of obtaining valuable rewards. The author criticizes game developers for prioritizing monetization over innovation and compares these practices to gambling, suggesting potential addiction risks and advising caution.
Star Wars: Battlefront II Review | Giant Bomb
Star Wars: Battlefront II is a disappointing sequel that fails to improve upon its predecessor's shortcomings. The single-player campaign is short and uninspired, while the multiplayer progression system, heavily reliant on loot boxes, cripples long-term enjoyment. Despite its technical prowess and beloved license, the game is ultimately a flawed experience.
