Loot Boxes are Gambling - Get fucked EA

[6souls]

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2...casino-trailer

PEGI has responded saying basically that it's not getting a higher rating because the slot machine is not a core element of the game.

On the other hand, PEGI has given 12+ ratings to Super Mario 64 DS, New Super Mario Bros, & Pokemon Game Corner for including much the same function.

[6souls]

https://www.esrb.org/search/?searchKeyword=nba+2k20

ESRB has removed 2K20 from their search.

https://www.esrb.org/ratings/36442/NBA+2K20/

Page still exists.

[Karbuncle]

Pretty interesting stuff released today regarding loot boxes. Jim sterling did a video on it -



I don’t want to get my hopes up but dang I am, just a little, that this might lead to something against loot boxes.

[6souls]

ESRB has responded to some of the inquires involving the NBA 2K20 MyTeam trailer stating they do not regulate content shown in a video game trailer. They have not followed up on the rating since the release of the game containing the promoted content.



Supposedly the slot machine mechanic was removed, but I haven't been able to find a confirmation.

[6souls]

https://kotaku.com/esrb-ratings-will...xes-1842838351
https://www.esrb.org/blog/in-game-pu...-random-items/

ESRB is introducing a new labeling system for "loot boxes."

Currently, games that have microtransactions in them come with an ESRB description that states “In-Game Purchases.” The ESRB is now going to add the follow-up description “Includes Random Items” if there are items players can buy in a game that have a randomly generated element. For the most part this means loot boxes, but the description would also apply to any other microtransaction in which luck is involved.

“In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items) will be assigned to all games that include purchases with any randomized elements, including loot boxes, gacha games, item or card packs, prize wheels, treasure chests, and more,” the ratings agency wrote in its announcement. “Games that have the In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items) notice may also include other non-randomized paid elements.”

The “In-Game Purchases” description is itself a fairly recent development. It was originally added in early 2018, but only after mounting pressure from politicians and the public following the controversy around Star Wars: Battlefront II’s loot boxes.

“I’m sure you’re all asking why aren’t we doing something more specific to loot boxes,” ESRB president Patricia Vance said in a press release at the time. “We’ve done a lot of research over the past several weeks and months, particularly among parents. What we’ve learned is that a large majority of parents don’t know what a loot box is. Even those who claim they do, don’t really understand what a loot box is. So it’s very important for us to not harp on loot boxes per se, to make sure that we’re capturing loot boxes, but also other in-game transactions.”

The ESRB now says it will do just that. “Since adding the In-Game Purchases notice to ratings assigned to physical games many game consumers and enthusiasts (not necessarily parents) have reached out to us asking the ESRB to include additional information to identify games that include randomized purchases,” the agency wrote. The descriptions still won’t be using the phrase “loot box,” though, because in the ESRB’s words, “most people less familiar with games do not understand it.”

[arus2001]

Jesus christ, did they literally just say they're not going to do shit about this predatory market because most parents are too stupid?

[Tokitoki]

Uh, no?

They said they're not going to label games with "Loot boxes" because parents don't understand what a loot box is. Instead, they're going to label it with in-game purchases and random items. This captures more than just loot boxes, but also cosmetic or otherwise purchases.

ESRB is a rating agency. Afaik they aren't in charge of policing gaming companies on their systems.

[6souls]

https://gamasutra.com/view/news/3723..._box_usage.php

A class action lawsuit has been filed against EA over loot boxes. Should the case have a positive outcome, everyone in Canada who bought a loot box could get paid.

The lawsuit was filed on September 30, 2020 by Mark Sutherland and Shawn Moore -- residents based in Ontario and British Columbia, respectively -- who claim that EA has been operating an illegal gambling system by selling loot boxes in franchises like Madden, FIFA, NHL, NBA Live, Mass Effect, Battlefield, and more.

The fact the lawsuit is a class action is notable, as it means the plaintiffs aren't just suing on their own behalf, but on behalf of everybody in Canada who had purchased a loot box in an EA title since 2008.

"By offering loot boxes through its games, the plaintiffs are essentially claiming that EA is operating an unlicensed gambling business, in breach of the aforementioned Criminal Code and other statutes. They are also claiming EA is liable to them at common law, including in unjust enrichment," reads the blog post, written by tech and video game lawyer Marius Adomnica.

"The plaintiffs are also alleging the way in which EA has implemented loot boxes, including not publishing the odds of winning prizes, and making using them semi-necessary for progression, breached various consumer protection statutes, including the BC Consumer Protection Act."

Also, if EA doesn't settle, they would have to refund every loot box purchase.