Spain To Ban Loot Boxes For Under 18s
Loot boxes, or 'digital slot machines for kids' as they're sometimes referred to online, can be paid for by either in-game currency or by using premium currency. When bought, the player will gain access to a random item: the higher the rarity, the lower the chance of getting it. These boxes may consist of cosmetic items including: weapon skins, character skins, emotes, and many more.
They are specifically designed to exploit players, especially the younger audiences, into spending lots of money. Some have said that they consider them as a form of gambling.
Are Loot Boxes Really Gambling?
According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, the definition of gambling is: "The betting or staking of something of value, with the consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on the outcome of a game, a contest, or an uncertain event whose result may be determined by chance or accident or have an unexpected result by reason of the bettor’s miscalculation." Some would argue that this definition also applies to loot boxes, as the basic premise is the same.
The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs appears to agree with this sentiment, and 'will follow Japan and Belgium' in banning minors from buying loot box rewards or incentives.
What Restrictions Are Being Put On Loot Boxes?
The decision will be announced as Alberto Garzon, Spain’s Minister of Consumer Affairs, finishes his 'legislative draft' on the 'governance of video game purchases and consumer rights'.
Minors may no longer be able to access in-game shops that contain loot boxes, this will mean that games are required to apply an in-game registration system to verify a gamer's age - presumably by submitting ID.
The legislation will mean that game companies must have a scheme put in place where players are able to choose not to have access to loot boxes.
They are also proposing a time limits for ads to be shown, which will be like the gambling sector. The idea is that they will only be able to broadcast between 1:00 am and 5:00 am. They must also include messages telling players to only use loot boxes in moderation, and must show the price in euros - as well as in-game currency.
Words by Tom Whittaker