Wednesday, November 28th 2018
FTC to Launch Investigation on Loot Boxes
This has been a long time coming for sure: the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is looking to launch an investigation into the practice of introducing loot boxes in video games. The issue has already been brought up numerous times in other countries around the globe (Belgium and the Netherlands being the most prominent ones against its implementation). Only now will the FTC investigate openly into this, though, following an official request by Senator Maggie Hassan during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation subcommittee hearing.
"Loot boxes are now endemic in the video game industry and are present in everything from casual smartphone games to the newest, high budget releases," said Hassan. She went on to say that they "represent a $50 billion industry by the year 2022." Of course, that same value that they can hold by 2022 will likely stand in the way of any serious regulation - those are some additional $50 billion rolling through the economy, after all. And the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) obviously reduces loot boxes' issues; a representative told Polygon that "Loot boxes are one way that players can enhance the experience that video games offer. Contrary to assertions, loot boxes are not gambling. They have no real-world value, players always receive something that enhances their experience, and they are entirely optional to purchase. They can enhance the experience for those who choose to use them, but have no impact on those who do not."
Sources:
Polygon, MCV.uk
36 Comments on FTC to Launch Investigation on Loot Boxes
It also opens up a flood gate of other potential issues. I mean, baseball cards (not that any buys them anymore) would be banned. The humble bundle monthly plan would then too become illegal. And a million other grab bag type items would fall under the same "gambling" cause.
So I say be careful what you wish for.
Unfortunately, in reality for every person that boycotts these practices there's 1000 kids having access to their mom's creditcard which will pay for it anyway.
World is really f**ed up if ADULT Casino Gambling made it's way into common videogames...
In an actual casino they kick you out at the slightest hint that you're under age. In games... well... you get the idea.
I still remember EA/Bioware and their loot boxes for Mass Effect 3 Online multiplayer mode back in 2012
Unfortunately it was overlooked back then. And even with ME Andromeda due to many more issues with the game and the fact that both MP modes are AI Horde not PvP.
I have played over 2500 hours of ME3 MP. It took me a couple of years to unlock everything with grind (i did not buy a single pack with real currency). Same seems to be for Andromeda where i have unlocked and leveled up all but the most Ultra Rare characters and weapon variants. Currently played around 1000 hours.
In case you're wondering - there are some pro's to ME:A MP. For example the ability to kick players mid game, ability to mute individual player mics or the verticality aspect of maps and jet packs. Graphics too obviously. Bad things are easier and less varied/intresting enemies, lack of sync kills where you stay dead for the duration of the wave (except on special weekly platinum missions) etc.
If I remember correctly I unlocked everything after just over 600 hours of grinding Gold and Platinum missions, in the beginning mostly playing firebase Rio using a krogan and spamming grenades while staying inside a container lol
but the real fun began when I got better and started playing other classes and other maps. My favorite was Asari Justicar simply because it's more difficult than most other characters on platinum.
haha now I want to play me3 multiplayer again
Well I may will buy Andromeda just for the mp in the future. are there collectors in the mp mode?
Also 7 waves insted of 11 and like i said not real sync kills. Only animation, can get right back up with medigel or help from teammate.
Also on topic:
collectibles.panini.de/store/col_deu_de/fehlende-sticker-karten.html
They simply let you buy a bit oder sticker and cards to finish you collection individually. So nö need to buy impulsively, simply wait and get All. With a strict "Nö sell for Personal gain" policy.
Simple, effective, keeps them from overstepping regulations.