US Senator introducing legislation to ban loot boxes in games

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A US Senator plans to introduce legislation to ban loot boxes in games geared toward minors.

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley wants to stop publishers from including loot boxes in titles which are marketed to children. The legislation he proposed would also prohibit children from gaining access to loot boxes in games marketed to adults.

According to Hawley, his Protecting Children from Abusive Games Act would prohibit random rewards through microtransactions.

As other governments and elected officials have stated in the past, Hawley believes loot boxes promise a competitive advantage and “prey on user addiction.”

Candy Crush was called out specifically by the Senator as being participial exploitative due to its “Best Value” $150 Luscious Bundle. It features consumables, virtual currency, and unlimited lives for a 24 hours period.

“Social media and video games prey on user addiction, siphoning our kids’ attention from the real world and extracting profits from fostering compulsive habits,” said Hawley said. “No matter this business model’s advantages to the tech industry, one thing is clear: there is no excuse for exploiting children through such practices.

“When a game is designed for kids, game developers shouldn’t be allowed to monetize addiction. And when kids play games designed for adults, they should be walled off from compulsive microtransactions. Game developers who knowingly exploit children should face legal consequences.”


Should the legislation pass, Hawley proposes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) be responsible for enforcing the rules (thanks, GI.biz).

The FTC would be in charge of decided whether microtransactions and loot boxes are “unfair trade practice,” and states would be able to sue publishers if found in violation of rules set forth.

Whether the FTC will become heavily involved is up in the air, but as GI.biz reminded us, the FTC is hosting a workshop with industry officials and consumers this August. We’ll have to see what comes out of it.

Posted:
Related Forum: Gaming Discussion

Source: https://www.vg247.com/2019/05/08/us-senator-legislation-ban-loot-boxes/

Comments

"US Senator introducing legislation to ban loot boxes in games" :: Login/Create an Account :: 13 comments

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JoeIPosted:

It is very addicting and too right it should be banned

Millennial_ZPosted:

Maze
C4 Id 110% be okay with this! As Jimbo said Loot boxes have started to destroy video games and most developers put more effort into loot boxers than the game


It also took the challenge out of games. You used to have to grind for a cool armor or skin, needing to put in hours of gameplay or unlock hard achievements. Now you just have to pay more than the $60 you already spent on buying the game.


The only challenge people faces is how to make more money to pump into this BS.

MazePosted:

C4 Id 110% be okay with this! As Jimbo said Loot boxes have started to destroy video games and most developers put more effort into loot boxers than the game


It also took the challenge out of games. You used to have to grind for a cool armor or skin, needing to put in hours of gameplay or unlock hard achievements. Now you just have to pay more than the $60 you already spent on buying the game.

AnimePosted:

They use to be cool to have the loot boxes now it's eh.

C4Posted:

Id 110% be okay with this! As Jimbo said Loot boxes have started to destroy video games and most developers put more effort into loot boxers than the game

RareparrotPosted:

EA will make a better madden COD is already the greatest thing this wouldn't affect them. Idc. about the rest of the games

JimboPosted:

I think I'd actually be okay with this. Loot boxes are the cancer of the gaming industry and like he said developers shouldn't be allowed to monetize addiction. I completely agree with that. I'm all for DLC but loot boxes are just dumb.

MazePosted:

CapnMD Hopefully this gets passed and goes nation wide!


If it's passed in the states(highly unlikely imo) you could bet a majority of games would get rid of microtransactions regardless if its law around the world. Loads of games are developed in the US and a huge portion of players are from the US

100ThievesPosted:

Hopefully this gets passed and goes nation wide!

PeerPosted:

RIOT THE GOVERNMENT THEY HAVE NO SAY even though they shouldn't have transactions the government has no say