Electronic Arts' (EA) microtransaction practices in its AAA games are not welcome in Europe and other countries, as Belgian gaming committee officials may officially deem the financial model as gambling and, consequently, ban it.
Results are out now from Belgium Gaming Commission's loot box investigation towards EA's "Star Wars: Battlefront II" microtransactions. Although officials have not yet decided whether the loot box financial structure should be considered gambling, they are considering it. They have stated that the government, rating agencies, and even gaming companies must ensure the protection of its audience against such rampant and aggressive gambling practices.
That said, this is easier said than done since each country has a different set of laws and constitution regarding gambling, so the banning or allowing of loot boxes may hit a significant obstruction. Still, this did not prevent Belgium's Minister of Justice Koen Geens from highlighting the dangers of introducing gambling to children.
"Mixing gambling and gaming, especially at a young age, is dangerous for the mental health of the child," Geens noted. This could mean that the officials, while not yet reaching a final verdict, could ultimately favor banning loot boxes in video games. Currently, Geens wants to ban the loot box microtransaction not only in Belgium but also all across Europe.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Hawaii state representative Chris Lee has expressed similar sentiment towards loot boxes, particularly in "Star Wars: Battlefront II." He is claiming that the game is "a Star Wars-themed online casino designed to lure kids into spending money. It's a trap." Lee has also condemned the predatory practice which takes advantage of people.
For those unfamiliar with the issue, the controversy surrounding loot boxes gained traction following the release of EA's "Star Wars: Battlefront II," a first-person shooter (FPS) where the game locks out some of the content (weapons, power-ups, etc.) behind randomly-given loot boxes.
These loot boxes can be purchased with real-world cash so players can get more chances of finding the items they want, though the possibility is still random despite how much they pay. This game mechanic also favors the players who have more money, ruining the balance of gameplay.
At the moment, the decision to ban loot boxes has not yet been finalized, but officials are now working towards a solution.
