Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony list probabilities for loot boxes
The three largest game console manufacturers - Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft - have decided that game publishers must in future indicate the chances of success of the individual items in loot boxes.
Future titles that appear on a Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo console and contain loot boxes must state how high the probability is that certain items will be in the boxes. This was announced by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) at a loot box workshop organised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) .
Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo join forces
Some publishers are already specifying the drop rates for loot boxes. These include Activision Blizzard, Bandai Namco, Bethesda, Bungie, EA, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. and Wizards of the Coast. According to the ESA, other publishers are considering explicitly labelling the loot box probabilities.
While it is now mandatory for Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo Switch games, this regulation does not apply to other platforms - including PC games, for example. The ESA justifies its decision by stating that the video games industry relies on building a relationship with players. This relationship is not only based on the enjoyment of the game, but also and above all on trust. Players should not be told what they should enjoy.
Redemption is set to come in 2020
The exact timing of the mandatory release has yet to be finalised or is still being discussed, according to the ESA. However, Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo hope that the whole thing can be rolled out in 2020. According to the big three players, games thrive on camaraderie and build communities that are fun to be part of. This is why the ESA has set itself the goal of continuously working to ensure that video games remain entertaining in the future - loot boxes or not.
A Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge that Microsoft believes in transparency and therefore wants to help customers with their purchasing decisions. By always making it clear how high the chances are that various items will appear in loot boxes. Sony also agrees with this statement and emphasises how important it is to indicate the probabilities of randomly generated items.
A thorn in the side of the regulators
Lootboxes have been the centre of heated discussions in the gaming industry for some time now. Regulators have expressed their concerns about the randomly generated content, especially if it is aimed at children.
US Senator Maggie Hassan asked the FTC last autumn whether new protection mechanisms are needed for in-game transactions and loot boxes. The aim is to protect players - especially children - who play such games. US Senator Josh Hawley also introduced the Protecting Childern from Abusing Games Act last May, which prohibits the sale of loot boxes to under-18s and pay-to-win microtransactions in games intended for minors.
When I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.
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