Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony Will Require Disclosure of Loot Box Odds Starting in 2020

Loot boxes have been in the news more and more I feel like, and not for good reasons. A lot of people, and even countries, are not happy about the mechanic of people paying real world money for a chance to get an item they want. Well, recently, the Entertainment Software Association made it known that Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony are adopting policies that will require game developers and publishers to provide the “relative rarity or probabilities of obtaining randomized virtual items” in their game’s loot boxes. Of course, this policy will only affect new games and it won’t take affect until 2020. At least it’s something? Here’s what Michael Warnecke told the news:

“I’m pleased to announce this morning that Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony have indicated to ESA a commitment to new platform policies with respect to the use of paid loot boxes in games that are developed for their platform. Specifically, this would apply to new games and game updates that add loot box features. And it would require the disclosure of the relative rarity or probabilities of obtaining randomized virtual items in games that are available on their platforms.

As well, many of the leading video game publishers of the Entertainment Software Association have decided that they are going to implement a similar approach at the publisher level to provide consumers this information and give them enhanced information to make purchase decisions.”

My personal take on loot boxes is that they are fine as in-game rewards or as something that can be purchased using in-game currency. However, I personally believe that the moment real currency is used, there should no longer be left to chance or randomness involved. If I drop $5, I want to be able to choose exactly what that $5 is for. What are your thoughts on loot boxes?

Via: GamesIndustry