Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, and a host of other video game publishers are committing to disclose loot box winning odds going forward.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced the news that these publishers have agreed to share winning odds in a format to be determined. This announcement was part of a public workshop that discussed the issues in-game gambling presents and what can be done to improve the video game industry’s approach to loot boxes.
The list of others that will now divulge loot box odds features names like Activision, Ubisoft, Bethesda, Bandai Namco, Bungie, EA, Take-Two Interactive, Warner Bros., and Wizards of the Coast. The ESA adds that “many other ESA members” are still considering the disclosure, further adding this:
We commend our members for their continued efforts to listen to their customers and provide consumers with information to make more informed choices for their gameplay. As the video game industry evolves and new features appear, we welcome an open dialogue among our community. Video games spark camaraderie and build communities that we all enjoy being a part of. We will continue to innovate and work together so that every member of our community can enjoy video games as a fun and enriching experience.
Loot boxes and gambling in video games have been a hot topic for quite a while now, with a lot of the discussion starting back up with EA’s Star Wars: Battlefront II. EA added fuel to the fire again when it put out a statement in defense of loot boxes.
The plan is to implement these new loot box disclosures in 2020 as the details of the requirement are finalized.
