Loot boxes ‘exploitative and predatory’: 20 European groups want action for them
Consumer defense organizations from 18 countries are demanding its regulation. Spain is on its way.
The debate over the use of loot boxes is far from over, with it being the subject of debate not only within the industry but also at the political and social level, with politicians and consumer associations pushing for it to be banned or at least regulated. In this sense, today we know a report with the support of state institutions. 18 European countries favor regulation.
It is a document submitted by the Norwegian Consumer Council, supported by up to 20 user advocacy groups from 18 European countries, where, among other considerations, these crates are branded as follows. “exploiters and predators”by tackling a vulnerable target by trying to create addiction among the public and sometimes referring to the hugely successful video games among minors.
To explain the problem, the body from the Scandinavian country turns to FIFA 22, which is the subject of legal disputes in the Netherlands, for exactly this reason, and Raid: Shadow Legends, a hugely successful fantasy RPG and dungeon crawler on smartphones and tablets. accusing them of resorting to an extensive arsenal of tricks to encourage the consumer to spend as much time and money as possible using the hope of receiving the reward, even though there is a very small chance and probability.
What does the Norwegian Consumer Council recommend? Basically, the approval of a regulation that considers the following six points:
- Prevent video game companies from using misleading designs to exploit consumers
- All purchases must be priced in real world currencies.
- Protection of minors:
- Ban loot boxes in video games for minors.
- Prohibition of pay-to-win mechanisms in video games for minors.
- More transparency makes it easier for researchers and regulators to understand the behavior of loot boxes.
- A greater effort to comply with consumer rights.
- If these measures have no effect, consider outright banning.
Spain pioneers in regulating ‘loot boxes’
This news comes after learning that Spain It is already ready to announce a special law to regulate the industry for the first time in Europe. Its purpose is nothing less than ensuring the protection of consumers and video game players. Also in the past, the British House of Lords’ request to the British government to take action against these prize chests was also the headline.
Source: 3D Juegos
