Video game titles have been dealing with loot boxes for a good while now and it’s actually become a pretty big mainstream issue. It wasn’t long ago that we’ve seen government issues pop up on whether certain games are becoming problematic due to loot boxes. This was deemed to be gambling by plenty of parties and its been a legal mess since.
As a result of this, some companies have adjusted their video game titles to become less of a guessing game as to what players may get if they purchase certain in-game items. Now the ESRB has stepped up and adjusted their ratings to showcase a warning on the game box alerting fans of loot boxes.
You are all likely aware of ESRB ratings. Each game that goes into the market has a rating that gives some basic information out. This includes aspects such as a recommended maturity level or what is featured in the game itself such as violence, sexual content, and now loot boxes. These ratings have existed for a good while now in the form of in-app purchases. Previously the game rating would indicate that players can purchase content in the game using real-world currency.
However, now that the focus is on loot boxes and randomized items being presented to players after purchase is causing the ESRB to change up the in-app purchases warning. Now the consumers will be able to see if there is an element of random items from in-game purchases. These warnings will be a great way to give consumers a good indicator as to if a game features loot boxes or a parent that may know going into the game with a child could prove to warrant some additional funds later on.
