UK wants game developers to restrict loot boxes, may face legislation

A couple of years ago, the UK government revealed plans to take a closer look at the games industry and loot box practices, which many have argued should fall under gambling regulations. The UK won't be doing anything at this time, but it has warned that game publishers should take more steps to put safeguards in place for children.

As reported by GI.biz, the government has warned that if game publishers don't take steps to better control the sale of loot boxes to young people, then it will have to step in. The government also acknowledged that young people who engage with loot boxes are “more likely to experience gambling, mental health, financial, and problem gaming-related harms”.

The first major change that officials want to see is enforced parental controls, stopping minors from being able to purchase loot box items without parental permission. Currently, console makers like Xbox do have parental control features in place, but the government wants to see publishers across the entire industry taking this seriously and implementing their own protections.

If the industry can't be trusted to self-regulate, than the government “will not hesitate to consider legislation”. So far, loot boxes are only banned in a few countries. Here in Europe, the Netherlands and Belgium have outlawed such game mechanics, meaning certain titles, like Diablo Immortal, are not available in those countries.

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KitGuru Says: Some studios have taken steps to move away from loot boxes, opting instead for directly purchasable, limited-edition skins, as well as a seasonal ‘battle pass'. Hopefully this will become the new norm as the industry attempts to avoid drawing government attention and potential regulatory action. 

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