Spain wants to lead Europe with loot boxes law: video game industry responds

In a few weeks, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs will present a regulation that is unique in Europe, but which AEVI does not like.

The Spanish ruler’s plans to end loot boxes in video games are not new, but after many clarifications, it looks like the time has come to present in detail what the new law the Government is working on with Alberto Garzón will be. It consists of the Minister of Consumption at its head. The reaction of the industry did not take long. advocating for industry self-regulation.

3 out of 10 students spent money on games to improve their position in 2021If it continues, it will be Spain first country in europe To have a “special law” for arranging loot boxes, as Alberto Garzón himself explained during the opening of the ‘Loot Boxes’ seminar. New challenges for the video game industry organized by the management to discuss these random reward mechanisms with industry experts and professionals that have been so trendy in recent years and hinder, for example, Diablo Inmortal’s release in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The loot boxes we read from the ministry contain devices that have economic value in a real or fictitious market and whose reward can be resold or exchanged at random. including famous NFTs or cryptocurrencies.

The purpose of the future standard “make the best possible law for the protection of all consumers At all times regulating the industry will allow everyone to have fun, and this is compatible with protecting and maximizing the health of all consumers and, especially, the most vulnerable, according to the United Left’s attorney.

Garzón did not hesitate to make comparisons. loot box with traditional games of chance, having very similar characteristics (randomness or ultimately luck, cost of activating the mechanism, and the prize has an appreciable value), and also the so-called pay to winIt reveals that three out of 10 students in 2021 are spending money on video games to improve their position in 2021.

Industry denies these are bets

They were quick to respond to these statements and the announcement of the future law from AEVI, the main association of the industry in Spain. The company that was present at the said seminar, advocated a clear distinction between video games and games of chanceadvocating for industry self-regulation and valuing responsible use mechanisms promoted by companies globally.

In a statement, AEVI managing director José María Moreno criticized the Spanish manager’s plans, assuming that loot boxes carry negative consequences for the game, reflecting the negative ideological bias it contains, based on some studies. The betting world is artificially towards an environment that has little to do with it.

At the moment, it’s unknown how the rule’s minor edition and how it will affect video games like the aforementioned Blizzard or the successful FIFA: Ultimate Team.