Loot boxes have become a big part of today’s video games. If you’re a keen player of franchises such as FIFA, Counter-Strike, or Star Wars, then you’ll almost certainly have seen one; they offer you virtual items — in exchange for money — that can be used to improve gameplay or set against future in-game expenses. The problem is, they attract a lot of controversy. There are fears that they lead to heavy spending among child players, and has prompted the UK government to attempt to reclassify them as gambling products. Some countries, such as The Netherlands and Belgium have even banned the items altogether.
Are they as dangerous as some people believe; or a fun, and necessary, supplement to the video gaming experience? Let’s take a look at both sides of the story.
They Enhance Gameplay
A common argument in favor of loot boxes is that they help to improve the general gameplay experience. EA uses them in a variety of their titles, such as in FIFA’s Ultimate Team, to offer players extra options as they advance. In exchange for a payment, a loot box can give you a new superstar, or a more advanced game mode, depending on which stage of the game you’re at. They’re a popular, if sometimes expensive, option among gamers and the EA vice-president even compared them to ‘Kinder Eggs’ recently, in that the player gets a pleasant surprise whenever they open one.
It might signal the start of a trend against the items, where game developers look for other ways to generate income, such as raising game prices.
They’re an Important Source of Income for Games Developers
Loot boxes may not be cheap, but many argue that their financial contribution to the games industry is essential. Games are expensive to create and maintain and without the loot box income their general quality may suffer. Video games require a large team of developers, designers, and maintenance staff who all need to be paid for the thousands of hours they put in. Smaller developers, in particular, would feel the loss of revenue the most, as they’re less likely to meet such overheads without it. That said, it could be argued that games cost enough as it is, without the added expense of the boxes.
They Could Soon be Illegal in Several Countries
The debate over whether loot boxes improve gameplay or provide vital funding to developers could soon become irrelevant anyway: some countries already ban them, and many more could follow suit. Their simple definition as a random chance of gaining perks in exchange for funds means they automatically fall foul of strict gambling laws in Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. In Europe, Holland, and Belgium lead the way by banning the use of the items and have tried to spread the legislation to other European countries.
So, are Loot Boxes a Fun Gaming Element or a Menace to Society?
Like many things in life, the truth probably lies somewhere in between. The concerns over their effect on children are justified: kids shouldn’t be thinking about money while they play their favorite titles ― just having fun. For this reason, reclassifying them as gambling products, and lessening their importance to games overall, seems to be a fair measure. Adult gamers still have the option of buying them if they want to, but they won’t be penalized if they decide against it. Seeking a compromise on this issue seems to be the way forward.
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