In-game loot boxes will be subject to UK regulation. Learn more about the reasons for regulating loot boxes, how they will do so, and the effects loot boxes have on children and young adults.
Loot Boxes Threaten Children and Young People's Well-Being
UK Game Industry Aims To Restrict Access to Loot Boxes Feature in Video Games
In a significant move towards enhancing player protection, the UK game industry and game companies have united to introduce measures restricting access to loot boxes. Loot boxes offer in-game items randomly and can be purchased with real money. Concerns about their potential links to problem gambling have spurred the need for regulation.
Representing the game companies, Ukie, short for the UK Interactive Entertainment, has proposed 11 new guidelines aimed at safeguarding players and promoting responsible gameplay. These guidelines highlight the industry's dedication to ensuring safe and enjoyable gaming experiences for all.
Loot boxes let players spend real money to gain digital goodies ranging from new characters and in-game apparel to weapons, moves, and experience points. Loot boxes have been justified by stating that the contents of each loot box are entirely random, akin to purchasing a Kinder Egg or a pack of Pokemon cards. On the other hand, others compare the sensation to playing a slot machine. Many popular video games, such as Apex Legends, Overwatch, Star Wars Battlefront II, and FIFA19, all have this functionality.
Guidelines For Loot Boxes In Games
The principles released by Ukie outline the industry's commitment to self-regulate the use loot box responsibly. Critical aspects of the guidelines include:
| Age Restrictions | Game companies will implement appropriate technological precautions to limit access to loot boxes for those under 18, ensuring they cannot obtain them without the express consent of a parent or guardian. This commitment attempts to make the best use of the controls already on gaming platforms. |
|---|---|
| Public Awareness Campaign | Ukie will launch a public information campaign to raise awareness about the available age restriction controls. An expert panel will also share best practices concerning age verification processes. |
| Transparent Disclosure | Before players purchase a title, game companies will disclose the presence of loot boxes, and the probabilities of their contents will be clearly shown before purchase. |
| Presenting Loot Boxes Responsibly | Guidelines will dictate how loot boxes should be given, ensuring they are given responsibly and ethically. |
| Lenient Refund Policies | Companies will adopt more lenient refund policies to accommodate players' needs and concerns related to loot boxes. |
The proposed measures are intended to combat the illegal trade in loot box purchases and promote more investigation into their usage and effects.
Unhealthy Gambling Behavior
While content creators have established careers around engaging and entertaining videos involving loot boxes, the aim of these regulations is primarily to protect children and young people. But it's important to understand that problems with loot boxes can affect people of all ages.
In the UK, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) has raised concern about how loot boxes can encourage harmful habits, potentially fostering addictive gambling tendencies into kids and teenagers.
Parents, grandparents, and children might not be aware of the damage these treasure boxes can do,
says Joy Allen, Joint APCC Lead for Addictions and Substance Misuse and Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham.
Loot boxes are addicting because of their effects on the brain's receptors rather than their financial value. Acting responsibly and safeguarding future generations is essential, with roughly 55,000 young people already suffering from gambling addiction.
Sources:
BBC Report About Access Restriction on Loot Boxes in UK
APCC Report About Loot Box and Gambling Addiction
