Dean Hall criticizes Valve for its use of gambling-like mechanics in games, such as loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2, which fuel a large marketplace and betting activity. He advocates for more transparency and alternative monetization models, like the free-to-play approach with optional contributions, exemplified by his upcoming game Kitten Space Agency, aiming to find better ways to fund game development without exploiting players.
A BBC investigation reveals that most top-grossing mobile games in the UK are not disclosing the presence of loot boxes in their advertisements, despite regulations requiring transparency. Loot boxes, which critics liken to gambling, are said to exploit consumers and foster addiction, particularly among vulnerable groups like children. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is monitoring compliance, but critics argue it lacks enforcement power. The gaming industry has been slow to self-regulate, with many games still not clearly indicating loot box content, raising concerns about the normalization of gambling-like activities for young players.
Overwatch 2 players are mocking Blizzard over their free holiday gift, a weapon charm, sarcastically stating that the developers really went "all out." Some players expressed nostalgia for the previous Christmas loot boxes, which are no longer available due to the game's transition to a battle pass system.
PEGI has fined Activision Blizzard and Plaion €5,000 each for not disclosing the presence of loot boxes in Diablo Immortal and the Limited Bounty Hunter Edition of Hunt: Showdown during the ratings process. Both companies have updated their store listings and marketing materials. PEGI introduced its warning label about randomized in-game purchases in April 2020.
Everquest II developers introduced new loot boxes that allowed players to bypass lockouts and buy more opportunities at raid gear through the cash shop, leading to backlash from the community who called them "pay-to-raid" items. The developers quickly pulled the Libant Evernight Heritage Crate from the in-game Marketplace store and announced the opening of new Class Balance Forums for Everquest 2 to improve communication with the community and allow players to propose changes, communicate with developers, and vote on fixes and balance changes.
Loot boxes in video games, which offer players a chance to acquire in-game items in exchange for real-world money, have been linked to problem gambling, particularly in children and young people. While loot boxes do not meet the legal definition of gambling, they often use similar techniques to encourage players to make continuous microtransactions. Industry self-regulation has been found to be lacking, with many games not properly labeled as containing loot boxes. Experts are calling for ethical loot box design and regulatory nudging to mitigate the negative outcomes of loot box engagement.
