Loot Boxes | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:07:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png Loot Boxes | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Blizzard will stop selling Overwatch loot boxes this month https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/blizzard-will-stop-selling-overwatch-loot-boxes-this-month/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/blizzard-will-stop-selling-overwatch-loot-boxes-this-month/#respond Wed, 10 Aug 2022 15:11:04 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=570576 Back in June, Blizzard confirmed that it would no longer be selling loot boxes in Overwatch 2 and would instead opt to sell seasonal battle passes and have a cosmetics store where you can buy skins and other items directly. Loot boxes will be removed well ahead of the transition to Overwatch 2.  This week, …

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Back in June, Blizzard confirmed that it would no longer be selling loot boxes in Overwatch 2 and would instead opt to sell seasonal battle passes and have a cosmetics store where you can buy skins and other items directly. Loot boxes will be removed well ahead of the transition to Overwatch 2. 

This week, Blizzard confirmed that it will stop selling loot boxes in Overwatch once the current ‘Remix Volume 3' event ends on the 30th of August. Between now and then, you can buy ‘anniversary loot boxes' to try and obtain any remaining items you don't have in your collection. All of those cosmetics will carry forward into Overwatch 2.

Instead of loot boxes, Blizzard will be selling seasonal battle passes in Overwatch 2. Each season will last for nine weeks and will add a new hero or a new map, although the game's first season will kick things off with three new heroes and six new maps.

Seasonal content updates will also include new skins, challenges and game modes. As you would expect, Overwatch 2 Season 1 begins on the 4th of October, when the game releases in early access across PC and consoles.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of Overwatch 2 so far? Is the new seasonal, lootbox-less model a good change?

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Blizzard confirms Overwatch 2 will replace original game at ‘Early Access’ launch https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/blizzard-confirms-overwatch-2-will-replace-original-game-at-early-access-launch/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/blizzard-confirms-overwatch-2-will-replace-original-game-at-early-access-launch/#respond Thu, 23 Jun 2022 13:09:46 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=565484 Earlier this month, Blizzard confirmed that Overwatch 2 will be launching in Early Access this October across consoles and PC. Now, the studio has revealed a bit more about the transition. Even in its Early Access state, Overwatch 2 will replace Overwatch 1, and we also know how the team will handle unopened loot boxes …

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Earlier this month, Blizzard confirmed that Overwatch 2 will be launching in Early Access this October across consoles and PC. Now, the studio has revealed a bit more about the transition. Even in its Early Access state, Overwatch 2 will replace Overwatch 1, and we also know how the team will handle unopened loot boxes once everyone is moved over to the new game. 

Overwatch 2 will be launching in Early Access for all the same platforms Overwatch 1 is available on, starting on the 4th of October. Unlike the original game, OW2 will be free to play and the game will completely replace Overwatch 1. Maps and modes present in the original game will be available in OW2, but the move also forces fans of the original game to adopt the new 5v5 multiplayer, and the recent public beta test proved that moving from 6v6 to a 5v5 format isn't going to be a completely smooth transition, as some heroes need to be rebalanced, especially support characters.

In a Reddit AMA, Blizzard also confirmed that everything you own in Overwatch will transfer with you to Overwatch 2. That includes all previous cosmetic unlocks and any in-game currencies you might have. Your loot boxes won't be coming with you, as Overwatch 2 is dropping loot boxes in favour of selling skins and skin bundles directly through an in-game store.

However, you will not lose out on the contents of those loot boxes. When the transition to Overwatch 2 takes place, all currently owned loot boxes in your account will be automatically opened and the contents will be moved over to the new game alongside everything else in your cosmetics collection.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: For better or worse, Overwatch 2 is on the way and will revamp the game as we currently know it. What do you all think of Overwatch 2 so far? Will you continue playing, or would you prefer to stick with Overwatch in its original form? 

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Diablo Immortal will not release in the Netherlands or Belgium due to loot boxes https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/diablo-immortal-will-not-release-in-the-netherlands-or-belgium-due-to-loot-boxes/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/diablo-immortal-will-not-release-in-the-netherlands-or-belgium-due-to-loot-boxes/#respond Tue, 31 May 2022 14:19:22 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=562346 Throughout closed alpha and beta tests, players have come away from Diablo Immortal with positive impressions. Interestingly, these pre-release versions did not include any microtransaction content, but it would appear that loot boxes will indeed be part of the game, leading to it being cancelled for the Netherlands and Belgium.  Blizzard has confirmed this week …

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Throughout closed alpha and beta tests, players have come away from Diablo Immortal with positive impressions. Interestingly, these pre-release versions did not include any microtransaction content, but it would appear that loot boxes will indeed be part of the game, leading to it being cancelled for the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Blizzard has confirmed this week that Diablo Immortal will not be launching in the Netherlands and Belgium on the 2nd of June, due to their laws against loot boxes in video games.

This means you won't be able to download and install the game on iOS, Android or PC in the Netherlands or Belgium through normal means. This news also confirms that loot boxes will be part of Activision Blizzard's monetisation strategy.

While Diablo Immortal did receive some praise following playtests, we've yet to see how the game is balanced and how much of a presence microtransactions have. The game is releasing in just a few days time, so we should learn more soon.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Will Diablo Immortal be worth playing? Or do you think microtransactions will ruin the experience? 

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EA faces class action lawsuit in Canada over loot boxes https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/ea-faces-class-action-lawsuit-in-canada-over-loot-boxes/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/ea-faces-class-action-lawsuit-in-canada-over-loot-boxes/#respond Thu, 22 Oct 2020 11:12:51 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=491037 When it comes to the loot box debate, EA gets brought up quite often. Multiple investigations and legal cases have been thrown at the publisher in the years since Star Wars Battlefront II's release and this week, another one was added to the pile.  EA is reportedly being sued in Canada as part of a …

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When it comes to the loot box debate, EA gets brought up quite often. Multiple investigations and legal cases have been thrown at the publisher in the years since Star Wars Battlefront II's release and this week, another one was added to the pile. 

EA is reportedly being sued in Canada as part of a class action lawsuit that takes issue with the publisher's implementation of ‘loot boxes' in several of its games, including Apex Legends, Need for Speed, Mass Effect and most notably, all of the EA Sports line-up, including FIFA, Madden, NHL and NBA Live.

Like many other lawsuits, this one argues the position that loot boxes should be considered as gambling. By offering these randomised digital packs in games, EA is allegedly running an unlicensed gambling business.

The lawsuit was recently highlighted by Business in Vancouver, but so far, EA has not responded publicly. We can expect some updates on this lawsuit in the weeks to come.

KitGuru Says: Sports games can be particularly predatory when it comes to card packs/loot boxes. It is too early to tell if this lawsuit will lead anywhere, but at the very least, it is drawing more attention to some of the greedier practices amongst game publishers. 

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ESRB adds new game rating for titles that contain ‘randomised’ microtransactions https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/esrb-adds-new-game-rating-for-titles-that-contain-randomised-microtransactions/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/esrb-adds-new-game-rating-for-titles-that-contain-randomised-microtransactions/#respond Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:58:54 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=461780 Once the lootbox controversy boiled over with the release of EA's Star Wars Battlefront II, many called on the ESRB to put measures in place and for better regulation in the games industry. The ESRB did begin putting ‘in-game purchases' notices on physical game boxes but now, that will be updated to mark whether a …

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Once the lootbox controversy boiled over with the release of EA's Star Wars Battlefront II, many called on the ESRB to put measures in place and for better regulation in the games industry. The ESRB did begin putting ‘in-game purchases' notices on physical game boxes but now, that will be updated to mark whether a game sells random items or not.

Announced today, the ESRB is rolling out an “In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)” rating for physical copies of games. This is what the rating means in the ESRB's words:

“Contains in-game offers to purchase digital goods or premiums with real world currency (or with virtual coins or other forms of in-game currency that can be purchased with real world currency) for which the player doesn’t know prior to purchase the specific digital goods or premiums they will be receiving (e.g., loot boxes, item packs, mystery awards).”

Meanwhile, the standard “In-Game Purchases” notice is used in cases where you can partake in microtransactions, but items are not random games of chance.

According to the ESRB, this change is being introduced due to many requests to further inform customers of the difference between games that ship with randomised microtransactions and those that ship with season passes, DLC packs and other upfront pieces of content. The ESRB does not want to use the term ‘Loot Box' officially though, as it doesn't encompass all types of randomised in-game purchases available.

KitGuru Says: This is a change that should have happened a long time ago, especially after the Battlefront II backlash. Still, better late than never.

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Destiny 2 will be removing paid loot boxes from its game https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/uncategorized/mustafa-mahmoud/destiny-2-will-be-removing-paid-loot-boxes-from-its-game/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/uncategorized/mustafa-mahmoud/destiny-2-will-be-removing-paid-loot-boxes-from-its-game/#respond Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:21:04 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=454075 Though there was once a time when loot boxes were being implemented into a large number of games, it would seem the many controversies surrounding the exploitative nature of the randomised system has led to many of these developers backtracking on the mechanic. The latest game to remove loot boxes is Bungie’s Destiny 2. Though …

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Though there was once a time when loot boxes were being implemented into a large number of games, it would seem the many controversies surrounding the exploitative nature of the randomised system has led to many of these developers backtracking on the mechanic. The latest game to remove loot boxes is Bungie’s Destiny 2. Though items can still be purchased with real money, players will know exactly what they’re getting when they do so.

Announced as part of Destiny 2’s ‘Director’s Cut’ update, Bright Engrams will no longer be purchasable from the Eververse store. Though the engrams will still be available in the Season Pass’ free track and rewarded through leveling up, players will no longer be able to pay money to obtain these loot boxes.

Commenting on the change, Bungie stated that they “want players to know what something costs before they buy it. Bright Engrams don’t live up to that principle so we will no longer be selling them on the Eververse Store, though they will still appear on the Free Track of the Season Pass.”

The Eververse store will continue to sell cosmetic items for Bright Dust (Destiny 2’s premium currency), but players will know exactly what they’re buying with no random element present. This marks a positive shift for the game, especially as a large focus of Destiny's post-game revolves around cosmetics and customisation.

The move away from loot boxes is an objective improvement which the gaming industry as a whole has been moving towards. Though games such as Overwatch still feature randomised and purchasable loot boxes, it would appear that most developers have acknowledged their taboo and dangerous nature, and so are adapting accordingly. The full Directors Cut update can be found HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you glad to see Bungie removing paid loot boxes from Destiny 2? What other games would you like to see follow in their footsteps? Have you ever paid money for a loot box? Let us know down below.

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NHS calls out video game loot boxes and links to gambling https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/nhs-calls-out-video-game-loot-boxes-and-links-to-gambling/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/nhs-calls-out-video-game-loot-boxes-and-links-to-gambling/#respond Mon, 20 Jan 2020 16:59:12 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=447889 The idea of ‘gaming addiction' and loot boxes encouraging gambling behaviour has been a heavy topic of discussion for the last few years. The World Health Organisation and NHS already recognise Gaming Disorder as a mental health condition and now the NHS is specifically targeting loot boxes too.  NHS mental health director, Claire Murdoch, has …

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The idea of ‘gaming addiction' and loot boxes encouraging gambling behaviour has been a heavy topic of discussion for the last few years. The World Health Organisation and NHS already recognise Gaming Disorder as a mental health condition and now the NHS is specifically targeting loot boxes too. 

NHS mental health director, Claire Murdoch, has said this week that loot boxes are “setting kids up for addiction by teaching them to gamble” and is calling out the companies selling them, particularly to children.

The UK's gambling commission currently does not regulate loot boxes in video games, as without the ability to ‘cash out' they don't fall under current gambling laws. Murdoch has a different view and the NHS points out that the ability to sell accounts with rare items does exist, even if such transactions take place outside of the game itself and aren't sanctioned by the publisher.

Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, has also supported Murdoch's statements, calling loot boxes “gambling by stealth in video games” and labelling it as a “threat to the health and well-being of young people”.

Ultimately, this is part of a call for the UK government to revamp the 2005 Gambling Act to recognise these newer mechanics in video games. Perhaps we'll start to see that ball rolling in the months to come.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While I don't really want governments placing laws on video game content, it can be argued that publishers have pushed loot boxes too far at this point. What do you all think about this? 

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 fixes its loot boxes https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/mustafa-mahmoud/call-of-duty-black-ops-4-fixes-its-loot-boxes/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/mustafa-mahmoud/call-of-duty-black-ops-4-fixes-its-loot-boxes/#respond Wed, 06 Nov 2019 13:29:22 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=434642 Call of Duty has suffered many controversies with regards to its loot boxes. For a number of years, the First person shooter would launch without any microtransactions in sight, only to add them in later, once sales began to slow down. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare seems to be breaking the trend, and furthermore, it …

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Call of Duty has suffered many controversies with regards to its loot boxes. For a number of years, the First person shooter would launch without any microtransactions in sight, only to add them in later, once sales began to slow down. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare seems to be breaking the trend, and furthermore, it looks like previous Call of Duty titles are retroactively fixing their loot box implementations.

When Black Ops 4 introduced the ‘Black Market', it brought with it a litany of scrutiny. The ‘Black Market’ was filled with items ranging from new weapons, to a red dot sight colour, all of which was lumped together into loot boxes – with players not knowing what they were going to receive. This meant that for some players, the only way to acquire certain items was through paying for COD points, and purchasing the item when it became available as a featured item.

On the 12th of November however, Treyarch will be overhauling the way the Black Market works, making obtaining your desired skin or weapon much easier. The Reserve Cases, which players obtain through levelling up or completing certain contracts, will remain in the game, however they can now be traded directly for items from the Black Market. 

While it’ll take a lot of grinding to obtain certain items (DLC weapons will cost 50 Reserve Cases) it is still preferable to the alternative of relying on good fortune to give you your weapon of choice, especially when you were more likely to receive a calling card or emblem instead.

While this isn’t the first time a company has reversed its anti-consumer practices, it’s good to see that even a game as big as Black Ops 4 is learning that it needs to be better.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: With Modern Warfare not including loot boxes, and now Black Ops 4 restructuring its Black Market, is this an indication of Activision turning over a new leaf, or is it purely a marketing tactic for some good PR? Let us know down below.

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will have a Battle Pass; no loot boxes present https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/mustafa-mahmoud/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-will-have-a-battle-pass-no-loot-boxes-present/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/mustafa-mahmoud/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-will-have-a-battle-pass-no-loot-boxes-present/#respond Sun, 20 Oct 2019 12:15:09 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=430593 Amid questions surrounding the upcoming Call of Duty’s post-launch loot box plans, Activision took to its blog to explain the situation. Call of Duty’s monetary structure has been relatively consistent for the last several years: at launch, the game contains no microtransactions or loot boxes; it gets reviewed well; then after a few months Activision would …

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Amid questions surrounding the upcoming Call of Duty’s post-launch loot box plans, Activision took to its blog to explain the situation.

Call of Duty’s monetary structure has been relatively consistent for the last several years: at launch, the game contains no microtransactions or loot boxes; it gets reviewed well; then after a few months Activision would add a litany of microtransactions, DLC and loot boxes. 

So when the claim was made by an Infinity Ward developer that they “aren’t working on a loot box system”, sceptics were less than inclined to believe them. Activision has now gone directly to fans to reassure them about what their intentions are for the newest Call of Duty’s post launch plans.

Speaking on its blog, the “Call of Duty Staff” announced its new approach to post-launch content in an official manner. They confirmed that they “are introducing a new Battle Pass system, not a loot box system”.

Furthermore, all content that may impact the game’s balance (i.e. guns and attachments) can be unlocked through playing the game. Players will also be able to earn COD Points through the Battle Pass, presumably allowing them to purchase the following seasons, once the current one ends. Activision confirmed that Modern Warfare will feature an in-game store, but will only feature cosmetic items, such as weapon skins.

While Activision’s purposeful wording of phrases such as “can be unlocked simply by playing” as opposed to “will only be unlocked” does give pause, lending to the notion that perhaps there will be other ways to directly purchase guns in the future, the move away from loot boxes towards a Battle Pass is certainly a positive step.

This move, alongside its previous commitments to all maps being free, no season pass, a concurrent releases of all content, and the introduction of cross play, means that Call of Duty is shaking up the formula for the first time in a long time. Hopefully all these changes are reflective of an Activision that is trying to be better, and do better by its fans.

KitGuru says: Will you be buying Call of Duty: Modern Warfare? If so, are you new to the franchise, a lapsed player, or do you buy it every year? Let us know down below.

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will not include loot boxes to begin with https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/james-dawson/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-will-not-include-loot-boxes-to-being-with/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/james-dawson/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-will-not-include-loot-boxes-to-being-with/#respond Tue, 15 Oct 2019 09:52:20 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=429893 According to an official statement from Infinity Ward, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will not include loot boxes or a supply drop system on launch. Although it wasn’t confirmed that loot boxes are out of the game for good. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's Art Direct published a statement on Reddit to set the record …

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According to an official statement from Infinity Ward, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will not include loot boxes or a supply drop system on launch. Although it wasn’t confirmed that loot boxes are out of the game for good.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's Art Direct published a statement on Reddit to set the record straight about rumours regarding loot boxes in the game. Infinity Ward’s Joel Emslie announced that the game will not include loot boxes or any kind of supply drop system. At least when the game is launched anyway.

“There continues to be misinformed and incorrect info being pushed about Modern Warfare,” said Emslie on Reddit, “What I can say right now is that we are definitely NOT working on any kind of supply drop or loot box system. Also, functional stuff is unlocked through GAMEPLAY.”

However, while that means we should not see any kind of loot box or supply drop system in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare on launch, it didn’t rule out Infinity Ward adding the features sometime in the future. Previous titles from the call of Duty series have locked cosmetic and functional items inside loot boxes.

On initial launch, Call of Duty; Black Ops 4 didn’t include loot boxes. However, loot boxes found their way into the game eventually in the Operation Grand Heist update, with new characters found inside. The introduction of further microtransactions in Black Ops 4 didn’t go down well with the community. Hopefully, Infinity Ward will try to avoid a similar thing happening with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

KitGuru says: Not long to go now until Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is released. How do you feel about loot boxes in premium AAA games lately? should they be in or out?

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ESA ‘strongly disagrees’ with UK committee’s decision on loot boxes https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/esa-strongly-disagrees-with-uk-commissions-decision-on-loot-boxes/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/esa-strongly-disagrees-with-uk-commissions-decision-on-loot-boxes/#respond Mon, 16 Sep 2019 10:48:29 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=425889 The ongoing loot box debate continued late last week when the UK’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee announced that it would be recommending that video game loot boxes be regulated under gambling laws. As you might imagine, the Entertainment Software Association isn’t too happy about this. The committee, which is made up of MPs …

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The ongoing loot box debate continued late last week when the UK’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee announced that it would be recommending that video game loot boxes be regulated under gambling laws. As you might imagine, the Entertainment Software Association isn’t too happy about this.

The committee, which is made up of MPs from the house of commons, called major game publisher reps in for a hearing earlier this year to listen to the industry’s take on loot boxes. This is where EA’s infamous ‘surprise mechanics’ comment came from. Many of us already found that defence to be ridiculous and it looks like the commission did too, as that comment in particular played a role in the decision to recommend government regulation on digital loot boxes.

In a statement sent over to GI.biz, an ESA representative said that while the group takes the issues raised seriously, it also strongly disagrees with the Select Committee's findings:

“We take seriously the issues raised in the UK Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee report, but strongly disagree with its findings. As demonstrated by the recent announcement of policies regarding the disclosure of the relative rarity or probability of obtaining virtual items in paid loot boxes, as well as the robust parental controls that empower parents to control in-game purchases, the video game industry is a leader in partnering with parents and players to create enjoyable video game experiences”.

The statement goes on to add that “numerous regulatory bodies around the world” have come to a different conclusion in their own investigations.

For now, the DCMS Select Committee is just recommending that Parliament tweak the UK Gambling Act to include in-game loot boxes, so there is no guarantee that such a move will come to fruition. With that in mind, we can expect to hear more about this in the months to come.

KitGuru Says: The ESA represents the likes of Activision, EA, Take-Two and more, so it is no surprise that it is attempting to protect publisher monetisation habits. Still, I think it is clear at this point that some games have taken loot boxes too far and that things need to be reigned in at a quicker pace than they are currently.

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Rocket League is removing randomised loot boxes this year https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/rocket-league-is-removing-randomised-loot-boxes-this-year/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/rocket-league-is-removing-randomised-loot-boxes-this-year/#respond Wed, 07 Aug 2019 09:00:03 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=421337 Psyonix has been through some major changes this year. First off, the studio behind Rocket League was acquired by Epic Games and now, another major change is coming, with Rocket League set to cut out randomised loot boxes. Crates in Rocket League were first introduced in 2016 as a way of funding continued support for …

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Psyonix has been through some major changes this year. First off, the studio behind Rocket League was acquired by Epic Games and now, another major change is coming, with Rocket League set to cut out randomised loot boxes.

Crates in Rocket League were first introduced in 2016 as a way of funding continued support for the game and esports events. These crates were earnable in-game, but were also purchasable and items obtained could be sold or traded on the Steam market. To open a crate, you would need to purchase a key, or a decryptor, which were also given out as rewards for Rocket Pass owners periodically. These crates would grant new cosmetic items to help set your car apart from others.

The discussion around loot boxes in videogames has soured quite a bit over the last two years. Moving forward, instead of offering randomised boxes for purchase, Rocket League owners will get to see exactly what they get in each crate before committing to a purchase.

Those who play Fortnite's Save The World PvE mode will know this system well. Nowadays, Llamas are upfront about contained items before players commit to a purchase, removing the ‘random' element from the equation.

KitGuru Says: The surprise element is really the addictive part when it comes to many loot boxes. Removing that makes them seem much less exploitative, although it will be interesting to see if regulators in Belgium or The Netherlands agree on that front, especially after declaring loot boxes as a form of gambling. 

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EA says loot boxes are ‘surprise mechanics’ and are as ethical as Kinder Eggs https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/ea-says-loot-boxes-are-surprise-mechanics-and-are-as-ethical-as-kinder-eggs/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/ea-says-loot-boxes-are-surprise-mechanics-and-are-as-ethical-as-kinder-eggs/#respond Thu, 20 Jun 2019 09:31:49 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=416043 Loot box controversy has been going on for years now but publishers are starting to get worried as governments around the world are starting to pay attention and are investigating how predatory these microtransactions can be in certain games. EA has of course found itself right at the centre of all of this, not just …

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Loot box controversy has been going on for years now but publishers are starting to get worried as governments around the world are starting to pay attention and are investigating how predatory these microtransactions can be in certain games. EA has of course found itself right at the centre of all of this, not just because of Star Wars Battlefront II, but also because of FIFA Ultimate Team. In defence of the ‘loot box’ idea, EA has decided to say that these randomised purchases shouldn’t be called loot boxes at all but should instead be known as ‘surprise mechanics’ and likened to Kinder Eggs.

EA’s VP of legal and government affairs, Kerry Hopkins, spoke in a session with the UK Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee this week to share the publisher’s view on loot boxes and why they should continue to be allowed without government oversight. As reported by PCGamesN, Hopkins went on to say that FIFA Ultimate packs and other forms of randomised purchases are “surprise mechanics” and are no different to “Kinder Eggs, or Hatchimals, or LOL Surprise”.

When pressed on the idea, EA’s Hopkin’s said that “we do think the way that we have implemented these kinds of mechanics” is “actually quite ethical and quite fun, quite enjoyable to people”. This was then all wrapped up with EA stating that it agrees with the UK and Australian gambling commissions that these kind of microtransactions “aren’t gambling” and “disagree that the evidence shows it leads to gambling”.

Given that a large chunk of EA’s annual profit comes directly from FIFA sales and FIFA Ultimate Team packs, this stance isn’t all that surprising. The UK government’s investigation into loot box mechanics will continue but so far, we don’t know if legislative action will be taken, as we saw in Belgium, where loot boxes were banned.

KitGuru Says: I never thought I would see video game loot boxes compared to Kinder Eggs but here we are. The difference is that with a Kinder Egg, you buy it for the chocolate and then you maybe get a cool small toy that you throw away later. With FIFA Ultimate Team packs, you are clearly shelling out money in order to get higher rated players in order to have a perceived competitive advantage. They aren’t the same thing and I really hope this surface-level comparison doesn’t catch on.

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US senator proposes bill to make loot boxes and pay-to-win microtransactions illegal https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/us-senator-proposes-bill-to-make-loot-boxes-and-pay-to-win-microtransactions-illegal/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/us-senator-proposes-bill-to-make-loot-boxes-and-pay-to-win-microtransactions-illegal/#respond Thu, 09 May 2019 08:00:12 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=412609 Over the last couple of years, there has been plenty of debate surrounding in-game loot boxes and whether or not they should be considered gambling. Investigations have been launched and politicians have gotten involved all across the world. While some countries took the view that loot boxes were fine, others considered them to be outright …

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Over the last couple of years, there has been plenty of debate surrounding in-game loot boxes and whether or not they should be considered gambling. Investigations have been launched and politicians have gotten involved all across the world. While some countries took the view that loot boxes were fine, others considered them to be outright illegal. Now, a US senator is looking to introduce a bill to ban loot boxes and pay-to-win microtransactions in video games.

Senator Josh Hawley announced his bill proposal last night. The idea is to block loot boxes and pay-to-win microtransactions in “games played by minors”, or essentially any game rated lower than 18+ by the ESRB. That would include titles like Fortnite, Candy Crush Saga, Overwatch, Rocket League, Call of Duty and more.

As part of the press release (via Kotaku), Hawley said that a game designed for kids “shouldn't be allowed to monetise addiction”. Beyond that, Hawley wants developers to do a better job of identifying minors playing games designed for adults so that they can be “walled off from compulsive microtransactions”.

The Entertainment Software Association has swiftly responded to this bill proposal, stating that “numerous countries” have determined that “loot boxes do not constitute gambling”. Adding that “parents already have the ability to limit or prohibit in-game purchases with easy to use parental controls”.

Of course, the catalyst for all of this was Star Wars Battlefront II, which had an entire progression system designed around opening up loot boxes and equipping ‘Star Cards' to boost power. This was changed at launch but that didn't stop politicians from looking to get involved. Belgium says that loot boxes are completely illegal, meanwhile other US representatives have called for tighter laws on video game microtransactions and even an FTC investigation.

KitGuru Says: It has been a while since we last heard about US politicians getting involved in the video game microtransaction debate. With this bill being proposed, we are going to see plenty of opposition from publishers but ultimately, this will be in the hands of the US senate to vote on.

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The Federal Trade Commission is planning a public workshop on loot boxes https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/the-federal-trade-commission-is-planning-a-public-workshop-on-loot-boxes/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/the-federal-trade-commission-is-planning-a-public-workshop-on-loot-boxes/#respond Mon, 25 Feb 2019 15:25:50 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=404908 Last year, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an investigation into loot boxes, attempting to gain an understanding of the practice to further protect children. While the results of this enquiry have yet to be made public, the regulator has announced that it will be holding a public forum to gain the insight of …

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Last year, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an investigation into loot boxes, attempting to gain an understanding of the practice to further protect children. While the results of this enquiry have yet to be made public, the regulator has announced that it will be holding a public forum to gain the insight of industry insiders later this year.

Loot boxes have been around for quite some time, offering randomised rewards within video games for completing tasks. EA drew attention to the practice with the release of Star Wars: Battlefront II in 2017, controversially monetising loot boxes that were heavily tied to progression before listening to complaints and making changes accordingly. This has since sparked an on-going conversation across the world to determine whether loot boxes are akin to gambling.

Two weeks ago, US Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) voice her concern that the “psychological principles and enticing mechanics that closely mirror those often found in casinos and games of chance,” urging the FTC to “review the completeness of the board's ratings process and policies as they relate to loot boxes and to take into account the potential harm these types of micro-transactions may have on children.”

Fortunately, it seems as though chairman Joe Simons is listening. Although Simons refused to comment on the supposed investigation that launched in November, he did reveal that the regulator was open to hearing from “consumer advocacy organisations, parent groups, and industry members” in a recent letter. The aim is to hold a meeting that would “elicit information to guide subsequent consumer outreach, which could include consumer alert.”

Although it is unclear when the gathering will take place, Hassan has gone on record to applaud the effort. “I appreciate the FTC's continued engagement on the issue of loot boxes, particularly in regards to the well-being of young gamers. A public workshop on loot boxes is a step in the right direction, and I encourage the FTC to continue working with consumer advocates, parents, gamers, and industry members to ensure that meaningful improvements are made to increase transparency and consumer protections around loot boxes.”

It’s unclear which way the verdict could lean, given that Belgium and the Netherlands have already cracked down on loot boxes as an “illegal” practice. Even countries such as the UK are re-evaluating their stance and engaging in a developing discussion.

KitGuru Says: I do feel as though premium loot boxes have a psychological link to gambling by hooking people with instant gratification and encouraging further payments. Still, it will be interesting to see how the discussion evolves over time. Where do you stand on loot boxes?

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EA removes the sale of FIFA Points in Belgium following legal pressure https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/ea-removes-the-sale-of-fifa-points-in-belgium-following-legal-pressure/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/ea-removes-the-sale-of-fifa-points-in-belgium-following-legal-pressure/#respond Tue, 29 Jan 2019 12:41:27 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=402264 While Valve, Blizzard and 2K Games adjusted their in-game loot box systems according to Belgium laws introduced last year, EA risked a criminal investigation by leaving its FIFA Pack system untouched. It seems as though the publisher has since succumbed to the pressure, as EA has finally announced plans to stop selling FIFA currency in …

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While Valve, Blizzard and 2K Games adjusted their in-game loot box systems according to Belgium laws introduced last year, EA risked a criminal investigation by leaving its FIFA Pack system untouched. It seems as though the publisher has since succumbed to the pressure, as EA has finally announced plans to stop selling FIFA currency in the country.

FIFA Points are a type of currency that can be earned in-game by playing FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) or purchased with real-world money. They are used to buy card packs that contain players to build a team with. Due to the randomised nature of these card packs, FIFA was actively in breach of Belgium’s law against loot boxes that was introduced in September, 2018, and required to make adjustments.

EA hasn’t made the process easy, refusing to modify its system on the basis that it didn’t believe its games could “be considered as any form of gambling.” This led to pressure from government entities that launched a criminal investigation against the publisher at the end of last year. Despite reiterating its statement against the regulation, EA has since begrudgingly double-backed on its stance, removing the ability to purchase FIFA Points with real money.

“After further discussions with the Belgian authorities, we have decided to stop offering FIFA Points for sale in Belgium,” reads the statement. “We’re working to make these changes effective in our FIFA console and PC games by January 31, 2019.  This means that players in Belgium will not be able to purchase points to obtain FIFA Ultimate Team packs.”

EA has apologised for the inconvenience, reassuring Belgian players that they will be able to access FUT without the microtransactions. Those with FIFA Points still on their account will be able to use the remainder until the wallet is depleted, but won’t be able to purchase any more.

KitGuru Says: EA basis its argument against the classification on the set number of cards received and the inability to cash out, but that doesn’t account for the psychology similarities that the Belgian ruling is based on. Do you feel like randomised digital card packs are a form of gambling or is it just like buying Football stickers in real life?

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Epic Games removes blind loot boxes from Fortnite Save the World https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/epic-games-removes-blind-loot-boxes-from-fortnite-save-the-world-but-not-battle-royale/ Mon, 28 Jan 2019 11:07:31 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=402145 Epic Games is making some changes in Fortnite’s Save the World mode, replacing blind loot boxes with transparent packs that are upfront about their contents.  This doesn't affect the infinitely more popular Battle Royale mode, thanks to the game focusing more on tradtional microtransactions. New “X-Ray” Llamas will be introduced in version 7.30, outright replacing …

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Epic Games is making some changes in Fortnite’s Save the World mode, replacing blind loot boxes with transparent packs that are upfront about their contents.  This doesn't affect the infinitely more popular Battle Royale mode, thanks to the game focusing more on tradtional microtransactions.

New “X-Ray” Llamas will be introduced in version 7.30, outright replacing the previous V-Buck Llamas by allowing players to see what’s inside the pack before purchasing. Upgrading Llamas yields the same transparent results, showcasing the contents beforehand. This isn’t exactly the same as general microtransactions however; as players will still need to wait for the daily refresh to access different loot boxes if the original is unsatisfactory.

Specific items can still be directly purchased with currency earned in-game, while almost everything about the Llamas remains the same. Pricing remains unchanged and requirements to earn via gameplay are identical. Players are also assured that items of any rarity will be something they don’t already own thanks to account-bound “dupe prevention” ensuring that no duplicates are handed out.

Those already playing Save the World will receive 5 free Llama Upgrade Tokens in order to trial the new system, although these won’t apply to Mini Llamas and Event Llamas, which will continue to be blind.

The Nintendo Switch version of Battle Royale will also be receiving a vast amount of changes coming in update v7.30, primarily geared towards optimisation and frame rate stabilisation. Epic is able to do this thanks to the move to “a more efficient memory allocator on Switch,” which simultaneously reduces the amount of crashes on the platform.

EDIT: This story previously suggested that Fortnite's Battle Royale mode also contained blind Llamas. This is not the case and has been edited to reflect as such.

KitGuru Says: It seems as though Epic Games recognises the controversial nature of loot boxes and wants to do something about it. I'm impressed that the Battle Royale component has been as successful as it has without loot boxes. It shows that you don't need a randomised practice in order to make a profit.

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The UK government asks the public whether loot boxes should be regulated https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/damien-cox/the-uk-government-asks-the-public-whether-loot-boxes-should-be-regulated/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/damien-cox/the-uk-government-asks-the-public-whether-loot-boxes-should-be-regulated/#respond Tue, 22 Jan 2019 15:28:33 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=401794 Despite multiple countries scrutinising loot boxes for their supposed link to gambling, the United Kingdom has taken a rather reserved approach by dismissing the connection on numerous occasions. Fortunately, further investigations from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee into “addictive technologies” is allowing the public to have their say in the matter. Over the …

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Despite multiple countries scrutinising loot boxes for their supposed link to gambling, the United Kingdom has taken a rather reserved approach by dismissing the connection on numerous occasions. Fortunately, further investigations from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee into “addictive technologies” is allowing the public to have their say in the matter.

Over the past few years, publishers and developers have been exploring new ways of monetising. This has caused controversy, from microtransactions in the single-player Middle-earth: Shadow of War, to EA’s progression-based loot box system in Star Wars: Battlefront II. Both decisions were ultimately reversed, but the damage had been done as loot boxes and their connection to gambling had become the forefront of conversation throughout last year.

Many countries began exploring the link between loot boxes and gambling, with Belgium and the Netherlands quickly dubbing the in-game practice illegal. Other boards from Ireland, the United States and the United Kingdom came to the conclusion that loot boxes could not be defined as gambling by its current definition, while the latter two continued their investigations.

The UK’s effort has surfaced once again in 2019, as the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee looks towards public opinion regarding the “addictive nature of some technologies can affect users' engagement with gaming and social media, particularly amongst younger people.” Although the game isn’t mentioned, this has likely been fast-tracked thanks to the sheer popularity of Fortnite sweeping the world.

Following the terms of reference, contributors can submit a document up to 3,000 words filled with evidence towards their point. Each paragraph must be numbered at pertain to at least one of the six broad umbrella headings that the regulator is enquiring about:

  • The immersive media industry
  • The future of eSports in the UK
  • The wider uses of “gamification” and VR/AR
  • Tackling digital and gaming addiction
  • The links between gaming and gambling
  • Data security and infrastructure

The immersive media industry could include dangerous social media trends, such as the Bird Box challenge, while the “gamification” of VR/AR is likely to discuss “deep-fake” films, which use augmented reality to superimpose the face of someone onto something else without their consent. Data security could include Facebook’s overwhelmingly negative press pertaining to the selling of user data, and finally, tackling digital and gaming addiction could look into reworking the outdated laws of the country by bringing them into the digital era.

KitGuru Says: All of these are brilliant topics, desperately in need of discussion and it’s great to see the UK finally motivated in modernising itself. Do keep in mind that submissions are in an advisory capacity and could have varying influences on the final outcome, but almost every opinion is worth voicing.

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Quake Champions is removing loot boxes to make room for Fortnite-style Battle Pass https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/quake-champions-is-removing-loot-boxes-to-make-room-for-fortnite-style-battle-pass/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/quake-champions-is-removing-loot-boxes-to-make-room-for-fortnite-style-battle-pass/#respond Thu, 06 Dec 2018 12:56:40 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=397348 Bethesda has been working on Quake Champions for a few years now and the game has already gone under a few major changes. At one point, the idea was to make the game freely accessible to all, while also selling a ‘champion pack' that gave access to all in-game characters. Then, the game moved over …

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Bethesda has been working on Quake Champions for a few years now and the game has already gone under a few major changes. At one point, the idea was to make the game freely accessible to all, while also selling a ‘champion pack' that gave access to all in-game characters. Then, the game moved over to a loot box monetisation model to keep revenue coming in. Now, trends are being chased once again, with Quake Champions ditching loot boxes and switching over to a Fortnite-style seasonal Battle Pass.

In December, Quake Champions will have a complete economy overhaul, this will introduce new ways for players to level up and new rewards. RNG won't be a factor in rewards anymore, instead, players will continue to earn in-game currency by completing daily/weekly challenges, levelling up etc. That currency can then be used to buy different skins, instead of playing games of chance with loot boxes.

In addition to this new system, Quake Champions will receive a battle pass, which was first popularised by Fortnite and then added to PUBG too. In Quake Champions, the pass will allow you to unlock more rewards over the course of a three-month season. If you buy the battle pass late into the season, you'll retroactively unlock all of the rewards that you would have gotten if you made the purchase on day one.

An exact date for this change has yet to be announced but it will be rolling out at some point this month.

KitGuru Says: I played quite a bit of Quake Champions while it was still in early access, although I'm not sure how active the player base is nowadays. Do any of you play Quake Champions at all? What do you think of the upcoming changes?

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Loot boxes are being put under the microscope by the Australian government https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/loot-boxes-are-being-put-under-the-microscope-by-the-australian-government/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/loot-boxes-are-being-put-under-the-microscope-by-the-australian-government/#respond Thu, 29 Nov 2018 15:40:11 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=396637 Although Australia’s ECRC has already concluded that loot boxes are “psychologically akin to gambling”, a new report from the Australian Senate has called for further action. Just days after the FTC launches its own investigation in the US, pressure has mounted for the Australian government to follow suit following a month-report to define the loot …

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Although Australia’s ECRC has already concluded that loot boxes are “psychologically akin to gambling”, a new report from the Australian Senate has called for further action. Just days after the FTC launches its own investigation in the US, pressure has mounted for the Australian government to follow suit following a month-report to define the loot box.

The recommendation began with the 90-page report, via Varietywhere the Australian Senate Environment and Communications References Committee defined what loot boxes are and their impact on both the public and the industry amidst struggles of piracy.

“This review should commission further research into the potential for gambling-related harms to be experienced as a result of interaction with loot boxes; identify any regulatory or policy gaps which may exist in Australia's regulatory frameworks; examine the adequacy of the Classification Scheme as it relates to video games containing loot boxes; consider if existing consumer protection frameworks adequately address issues unique to loot boxes; and ensure that Australia's approach to the issue is consistent with international counterparts,” explains the report.

“Loot boxes represent the evolution of revenue streams in the gaming industry. Previously, game titles were sold as a complete stand-alone product. As a title gained popularity, a sequel or ‘expansion pack' may have been offered, however the sale of a title was largely considered a single transaction without ongoing interaction between the purchaser and the developer. As the industry evolved, developers began offering Downloadable Content (DLC) which, though smaller than expansion packs previously offered, would nevertheless offer new characters, costumes, additional missions or storylines”, states the committee. Of course, the report also makes an effort to draw attention to the “growing community concern and debate” pertaining to gambling.

The report has proven divisive, with Senator Jordon Steele-John of the Australian Greens political party criticising the approach as too lax. “Many loot boxes utilise a number of psychological mechanisms commonly seen in other forms of gambling, including variable ratio reinforcement schedules, entrapment and ready and constant availability”, said the Senator, emphasising the risk to “children, young people and even vulnerable adults”.

Australia’s Interactive Games & Entertainment Association was more positive, describing the approach to be “measured and considered. As always, IGEA will work constructively with the Government and other interested parties to provide details and clarity as appropriate, noting however that the current report suggests this particular area of games is already subject to regulation from many different departments and authorities.”

The recommendation states that the Department of Communications and the Arts should head the ““comprehensive review of loot boxes in video games” in conjunction with “the ACMA, the ACCC, the Office of the e-Safety Commissioner, the Classification Board, and the Department of Social Services.” The government has yet to officially declare an investigation, however it’s unlikely to decline given the prominence of the conversation, both nationally and internationally.

KitGuru Says: It seems as though opinion on the loot box is divisive worldwide, making it difficult to ever establish a universal stance. It remains to be seen what Australia will conclude, but government regulation is certainly still on the table.

 

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The US Federal Trade Commission launches an investigation into loot boxes https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/the-us-federal-trade-commission-launches-an-investigation-into-loot-boxes/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/the-us-federal-trade-commission-launches-an-investigation-into-loot-boxes/#respond Wed, 28 Nov 2018 14:15:58 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=396402 While the UK Gambling Commission is still deliberating the effects of loot boxes in video games, it looks like the US Federal Trade Commission will be pushing forward with its own investigation. Chairman Joseph Simmons revealed the new development to the Senate Commerce Subcommittee, promising to protect children and ensure parents have an understanding of …

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While the UK Gambling Commission is still deliberating the effects of loot boxes in video games, it looks like the US Federal Trade Commission will be pushing forward with its own investigation. Chairman Joseph Simmons revealed the new development to the Senate Commerce Subcommittee, promising to protect children and ensure parents have an understanding of the in-game practice.

The investigation is a response to Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), who called attention to loot boxes at the height of worldwide inquiries surrounding the monetisation earlier this year. Hassan sent a letter to the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB), however the lack of intervention from the regulator in the past 9 months has prompted the FTC’s involvement.

ESRB parent organisation, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has previously eschewed scrutiny against loot boxes in order to preserve the integrity of testing new “business models”. So far, President Michael Gallagher aligns himself with New Zealand, the UK and Ireland in his conclusion that the ESA doesn’t believe the practice to be linked to gambling, instead advocating self-regulation.

This hasn’t satiated Hassan’s concerns over the effects loot boxes have on children, classing the monetisation as an “endemic in the video game industry” across a multitude of platforms. “Loot boxes will represent a $50 billion industry by the year 2022, according to the latest research estimates. Children may be particularly susceptible to engaging with these in-game purchases, which are often considered integral components of video games,” she continues.

“Just this month Great Britain’s gambling commission released a report finding that 30% of children have used loot boxes in video games. The report further found that this exposure may correlate with a rise of young problem gamblers in the United Kingdom. Belgium, Netherlands, and Japan have moved to regulate the use of loot boxes in video games given this close link to gambling.”

While there’s no budging the ESA’s opinion on the matter, there was no contest from Simmons. The new project will “investigate these mechanisms to ensure that children are being adequately protected and to educate parents about potential addiction or other negative impacts of these games”, keeping the committee informed along when new developments come to light.

KitGuru Says: No matter what side you’re on, I see no reason why a governing body shouldn’t investigate concerns that are enveloping the world, particularly if it is in favour of maintaining self-regulation. Still, it’s good to see the FTC pick things up, even if I struggle to believe its conclusion will differ.

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UK Gambling Commission is still investigating loot boxes and their relation to gambling https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/uk-gambling-commission-is-still-investigating-loot-boxes-and-their-relation-to-gambling/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/uk-gambling-commission-is-still-investigating-loot-boxes-and-their-relation-to-gambling/#respond Sun, 25 Nov 2018 13:52:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=396070 Back in September, chief executive of the UK Gambling Commission Neil McArthur signed a declaration to “address the risks created by the blurring of lines between gaming and gambling”. It seems as though the regulator still hasn’t linked loot boxes with underage gambling, lining up new questions to address for the remainder of the year. …

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Back in September, chief executive of the UK Gambling Commission Neil McArthur signed a declaration to “address the risks created by the blurring of lines between gaming and gambling”. It seems as though the regulator still hasn’t linked loot boxes with underage gambling, lining up new questions to address for the remainder of the year.

The November report surveyed 2,865 11-16 year olds in Great Britain earlier this year, finding that 31 percent had opened a loot box via in-game or real world currency. Despite the larger numbers, the word “gambling” is not once used directly in conjunction with loot boxes.

Instead, the UK Gambling Commission determines that gambling activities come outside of loot boxes themselves, listing the National Lottery tickets and scratchcards as well as private bets between friends as a bigger risk. Overall, online gambling rates remain relatively low, with 60 percent of children claiming to have a good understanding that gambling would be frowned upon by their parents.

The report itself is rather vague about loot boxes, and for good reason according to a provided statement to GamesIndustry.biz. “We've not in any way, in the survey, referred to it as exposure to gambling,” explains the Commission. “The reason we've asked that question is that it's a very popular subject matter and we want to try and make sure that we have as much information and data around it as possible.”

Alongside promises of collecting more information to answer if loot boxes are, in fact, gambling, the regulator has introduced a handful of new questions throughout the remainder of the year. In particular, the UK Gambling Commission will be studying the influence of parents, awareness of sponsorships by gambling companies and the awareness and usage of loot boxes.

KitGuru Says: It’s understandable that the regulator is hesitant to throw around labels on such a hot topic, as it could tarnish something undeserving. That being said, the consensus of the rest of the world does seem to be changing to recognise loot boxes as a form of gambling, if not a gateway. How do you feel about loot boxes?

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Ireland won’t penalise loot boxes because they don’t fall under gambling legislation https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/ireland-wont-penalise-loot-boxes-because-they-dont-fall-under-gambling-legislation/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/ireland-wont-penalise-loot-boxes-because-they-dont-fall-under-gambling-legislation/#respond Mon, 01 Oct 2018 15:50:54 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=389089 Two weeks ago, Ireland was one of 16 countries to sign a declaration to keep loot boxes in check, investigating where the in-game practice steps over the blurred line of gambling laws. Despite this, and ongoing attempts to redefine gambling laws in the country, Department of Justice David Stanton has stated that loot boxes continue …

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Two weeks ago, Ireland was one of 16 countries to sign a declaration to keep loot boxes in check, investigating where the in-game practice steps over the blurred line of gambling laws. Despite this, and ongoing attempts to redefine gambling laws in the country, Department of Justice David Stanton has stated that loot boxes continue to “fall within normal consumer law.”

Loot boxes walk a fine line between in-game progression and gambling, with an increasing concern shown towards how the latter could affect vulnerable players, such as minors. Action taken by Belgium and the Netherlands prompted European and American regulators to come together in an agreement dedicated to “clear public concern” surrounding potential risks, with hopes of defining a blanket definition that would benefit players, regulators and publishers as a whole.

Although there’s a chance that Ireland could make room for loot boxes in its ongoing overhaul of gambling laws, Stanton told the Senate of Ireland that the Department of Justice and Equality “does not have a role to regulate game developers on how their games work nor, in the offering of in-game purchases,” reports Irish Legal News.

Stanton stated that he personally believes a game should be licensed as a gambling product when “a game offers the possibility of placing a bet or the taking of risk for financial reward within the game.” He did not, however clarify what constituted as a risk, nor whether financial reward could be in-game currency.

“It should be understood, that if a game offers in-game purchases – be they loot boxes, skins, etc. – which are promoted to gamers as increasing their chances of success, such purchases are essentially a commercial or e-commerce activity,” concluded Stanton.

KitGuru Says: This declaration might not be a legal obligation, but it does raise valid concerns about the psychological similarities of loot boxes and gambling, as well as their effects on vulnerable players without proper regulation. How do you feel about Ireland’s stance on loot boxes?

 

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Australia’s ECRC determines that loot boxes are “psychologically akin to gambling” https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/australias-ecrc-determines-that-loot-boxes-are-psychologically-akin-to-gambling/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/australias-ecrc-determines-that-loot-boxes-are-psychologically-akin-to-gambling/#respond Tue, 18 Sep 2018 08:52:55 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=387154 US and European regulators came together yesterday to sign a declaration dedicated to keeping in-game loot boxes in check. It seems Australia might not be too far behind after the Australian Environment and Communications Reference Committee (ECRC) has concluded its study into the practice, linking loot boxes to gambling. The ECRC study was conducted as …

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US and European regulators came together yesterday to sign a declaration dedicated to keeping in-game loot boxes in check. It seems Australia might not be too far behind after the Australian Environment and Communications Reference Committee (ECRC) has concluded its study into the practice, linking loot boxes to gambling.

The ECRC study was conducted as a direct response to an article titled ‘Video game loot boxes are psychologically akin to gambling' published within the Nature Human Behaviour, but it isn’t the first time Australia has gotten involved in the debate. The University of Adelaide conducted its own tests in July, which similarly determined that microtransactions can have a predatory nature.

The latest study was presented during a public hearing led by Dr David Zendle and Dr Paul Cairns, presenting results from a 7,400-strong survey of game enthusiasts. The conclusion outlines that there was a direct correlation between the amount spent on loot boxes and the more severe an individual’s gambling habits were, suggesting that chance-based items seen in “loot boxes are psychologically akin to gambling.”

“Spending large amounts of money on loot boxes was associated with problematic levels of spending on other forms of gambling. This is what one would expect if loot boxes psychologically constituted a form of gambling. It is not what one would expect if loot boxes were, instead, psychologically comparable to baseball cards.”

Not only can this act as a gateway to a gambling problem for those that aren’t already afflicted with an addiction, but it is suggested that “there is a serious risk for loot boxes to cause gambling-related harm” to those that already suffer. The lack of regulation has led to the belief that video game companies have the ability to exploit these disorders in order to maximise profit.

Suggested courses of action include an advisory label be placed on the description and physical box of any game including loot boxes that may read “in-game gambling content.” The ECRC has also strongly suggested that these games should comply with local gambling laws with age restrictions, which sits at 18+ in Australia, in order to protect children.

KitGuru Says: Nothing is finalised, meaning that the Australian government could very well thank the ECRC and send them on their way without hesitation, however given the recent wave of unification could similarly see Australia join the US and Europe. What do you think of the ECRC’s conclusion?

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European and US gambling regulators sign a declaration to keep in-game loot boxes in check https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/european-and-us-gambling-regulators-sign-a-declaration-to-keep-in-game-loot-boxes-in-check/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/european-and-us-gambling-regulators-sign-a-declaration-to-keep-in-game-loot-boxes-in-check/#respond Mon, 17 Sep 2018 12:12:40 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=387047 Despite an ongoing discussion spanning the past year, only a handful of countries have concluded that in-game loot boxes pertain to gambling. In an effort to further protect those vulnerable, such as minors, a US gambling regulator has come together with 15 European watchdogs to sign a declaration dedicated to “address the risks created by …

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Despite an ongoing discussion spanning the past year, only a handful of countries have concluded that in-game loot boxes pertain to gambling. In an effort to further protect those vulnerable, such as minors, a US gambling regulator has come together with 15 European watchdogs to sign a declaration dedicated to “address the risks created by the blurring of lines between gaming and gambling.”

Valve has changed the scene with in-game item trading, creating a lucrative business from the microtransactions of skins in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2. Unfortunately, this has led to many skin betting sites in which players bet real money for a chance to win an item of their choosing. Of course, Valve has made a conscious effort over the years to thwart these sites, but this new declaration aims to ensure others play their part in cracking down on “unlicensed third-party websites.”

Image: UK Gambling Commission

Loot boxes will also be placed under a microscope, with game providers required to “ensure that features within games, such as loot boxes, do not constitute gambling under national laws.” This is presumably a response to EA defiantly ignoring Belgium gambling laws by refusing to remove loot boxes from its FIFA series, ensuring that publishers comply with set laws from here on out.

Belgium and the Netherlands have been the two most vocal countries against the intrusive practice, taking a stance against loot boxes in April 2018 in order to protect consumers and, more importantly, children. Chief executive of the UK Gambling Commission, Neil McArthur echoes this statement, ensuring that the declaration aims to help “parents to be aware of the risks and to talk to their children about how to stay safe.”

  • Austria: Alfred Hacker, Director, Federal Ministry of Finance
  • Czech Republic: Karel Blaha, Director of the State Oversight Over Gambling Department
  • France: Charles Coppolani, Chair of the French Online Gaming Regulatory Authority
  • Gibraltar: Andrew Lyman, Executive Director, Gambling Division, HM Government of Gibraltar
  • Ireland: Brendan Mac Namara, Principal Officer, Gambling Policy Division, Department of Justice and Equality of Ireland
  • Isle of Man: Steve Brennan, Chief Executive, Gambling Supervision Commission
  • Jersey: Jason Lane, Chief Executive, Jersey Gambling Commission
  • Latvia: Signe Birne, Director of Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of Latvia
  • Malta: Heathcliff Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer, Malta Gaming Authority
  • The Netherlands: Jan Suyver, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Netherlands Gambling Authority
  • Norway: Henrik Nordal, Director Deputy General, Norwegian Gaming Authority
  • Poland: Paweł Gruza, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Finance
  • Portugal: Teresa Monteiro, Vice-President of Turismo de Portugal, I.P
  • Spain: Juan Espinosa García, CEO, Directorate General for Gambling Regulation
  • Washington State: David Trujillo, Director, Washington State Gambling Commission
  • United Kingdom: Neil McArthur, Chief Executive Officer, UK Gambling Commission

Many regulators involved in the signing of this declaration come from countries that have yet to speak out about loot boxes, or don’t see the practice as a risk, such as the United Kingdom. The governing superbody has yet to outline any plan of action, however the international unification could potentially prompt a more coordinated approach to the regulation of loot boxes, provided that re-evaluation is an option for companies that have dismissed concerns.

KitGuru Says: Although the video games industry would much rather continue its self-regulation, the next-best thing is a unified stance as it avoids the hassle of deconstructing each country’s law in order to determine how a title is to be released. Do you think this will see countries change their position on the matter or is government intervention almost always a bad thing?

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EA risks a criminal investigation by failing to comply with Belgium’s loot box laws https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/ea-risks-a-criminal-investigation-by-failing-to-comply-with-belgiums-loot-box-laws/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/ea-risks-a-criminal-investigation-by-failing-to-comply-with-belgiums-loot-box-laws/#respond Tue, 11 Sep 2018 09:24:28 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=386430 Belgium declared purchasable in-game loot boxes illegal back in April, with the treat of criminal prosecution looming over less than a month later. While Valve, Blizzard and 2K Games all complied by removing the practice from their games in the region, EA has done nothing to rectify its FIFA packs, reportedly resulting in a criminal …

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Belgium declared purchasable in-game loot boxes illegal back in April, with the treat of criminal prosecution looming over less than a month later. While Valve, Blizzard and 2K Games all complied by removing the practice from their games in the region, EA has done nothing to rectify its FIFA packs, reportedly resulting in a criminal investigation.

The Belgian Gaming Commission investigated four games in particular before coming to its conclusion that in-game loot boxes pertained to gambling, and therefore should be out of the reach of children: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, Star Wars: Battlefront II and FIFA 18. Concluding its inquiry, Beglium’s Gaming Commission declared the loot boxes “illegal games of chance,” violating gambling laws by being within reach of children.

Image: Dota 2 Loot Box

Valve removed CS:GO loot boxes in July after implementing a temporary workaround the month prior, while Blizzard only just caught up at the end of August following a request surrounding Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm. Fortunately, EA was already amidst its own rework of Battlefront II after listening to fan backlash, removing the purchasable progression-tied loot box system, however FIFA 18 and upcoming FIFA 19 packs remained untouched in the region despite breaking the new laws.

As reported by Belgian publication Metro, via Google translate, The Brussels public prosecutor's office is now considering a criminal investigation against EA for its adamant stance on keeping the practice. It highlights EA CEO Andrew Wilson as the man behind the decision to continue loot boxes throughout the summer, after Wilson stated in May that “players always receive a specified number of items in each pack.”

Wilson also stuck to his guns that there is no way to trade the items won or cash out, which, despite being a fundamental aspect of gambling laws in other countries, does not apply to Belgium. Given that the public prosecutor is merely considering the action, it seems that EA still has a chance to respond before matters are taken any further.

KitGuru Says: No matter what EA thinks, it has a duty to uphold national laws and therefore should really outline its plans to comply before facing hefty fines. Things could get significantly worse for the company if FIFA 19 comes out at the end of the month clad with loot boxes as intended. How do you feel about EA’s purchasable loot boxes?

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Blizzard removes Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm loot boxes in Belgium https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/blizzard-removes-overwatch-and-heroes-of-the-storm-loot-boxes-in-belgium/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/blizzard-removes-overwatch-and-heroes-of-the-storm-loot-boxes-in-belgium/#respond Tue, 28 Aug 2018 09:09:49 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=384553 Back in April, the Belgian Ministry of Justice began enforcing harsh punishments for games with loot boxes, considering them a form of gambling. Despite disagreeing with this conclusion, Blizzard has complied with the new laws by preventing Belgian Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm players from purchasing loot boxes with real money. The new law …

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Back in April, the Belgian Ministry of Justice began enforcing harsh punishments for games with loot boxes, considering them a form of gambling. Despite disagreeing with this conclusion, Blizzard has complied with the new laws by preventing Belgian Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm players from purchasing loot boxes with real money.

The new law was brought about following investigations by the Belgian Gaming Commission earlier this year, threatening up to a five-year prison sentence and a maximum 800,000 fine for publishers that refused to comply. Blizzard’s changes follow Valve and 2K removing loot box access within Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and NBA 2K respectively.

Fortunately, Blizzard has ensured that “while players in Belgium will no longer be able to purchase paid loot boxes in Overwatch and loot chests in Heroes of the Storm, they’ll still be able to earn them by playing the games, and they’ll still have access to all in-game content.” It does look like the publisher is holding out hope for future changes to revert the decision, stating that it is “open to further discussions with the Belgian Gaming Commission and Ministry of Justice on this topic.”

The Netherlands Gaming Authority also revealed that it considers loot boxes a form of gambling, particularly highlighting in-game items that are tradable as a breach of Article 1 of the Betting and Gaming Act. While Valve was forced to make changes in order to comply, Blizzard’s version of loot boxes seem safe from penalisation in the nation given that it’s never allowed the trading of items.

KitGuru Says: It’s good that Blizzard has ensured that player experience remains intact while complying with Belgian law. Next up on the chopping block is likely EA given that its FIFA packs have been highlighted to breach both Belgian and Dutch laws. How do you feel about the recent crackdown on loot boxes?

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Valve is revealing the contents of Dota 2’s loot boxes to Dutch players before purchase https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/valve-is-revealing-contents-of-dota-2s-loot-boxes-to-dutch-players-before-purchase/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/valve-is-revealing-contents-of-dota-2s-loot-boxes-to-dutch-players-before-purchase/#respond Thu, 26 Jul 2018 09:05:08 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=380801 While Valve has removed loot boxes from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in the Netherlands after the country’s conclusion that the practice is gambling, it looks like the developer is trialling a different method for Dota 2. Still in compliance with newly introduced laws, Dutch players will now be able to see what is in a loot …

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While Valve has removed loot boxes from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in the Netherlands after the country’s conclusion that the practice is gambling, it looks like the developer is trialling a different method for Dota 2. Still in compliance with newly introduced laws, Dutch players will now be able to see what is in a loot box before buying it, making them more akin to a normal microtransaction.

Back in April, Valve received a letter from the The Netherlands Gaming Authority (NGA) demanding that the developer makes changes to loot boxes within CS:GO and Dota 2 due to both breaching the newly introduced Dutch Betting and Gaming Act. This resulted in item trading and Steam Marketplace functionality being removed from CS:GO in June, before Valve reintroduced both systems in July, instead removing loot boxes entirely. Dota 2, however, remained untouched until now.

Redditor Larhf notes the new changes in a post, stating that rewards can now be seen before the player purchases the loot box. Valve has also seemingly removed the ability to buy more than one loot box at a time, meaning players will have to buy the first loot box in order to see what is in the second. Of course, already seeing the item means that the traditional opening animation is also gone.

As it stands, Valve seems to be the only highlighted perpetrator making significant changes to its games in compliance with Dutch law, although EA and Psyonix have finally revealed pack odds and drop rates for FIFA 19 and Rocket League respectively. It’s uncertain whether or not this will suffice in the Netherlands, or Belgium for that matter and both countries are taking a strict stance against loot boxes.

 KitGuru Says: The frustration of buying one at a time is sure to help dampen the road to potential addiction when purchasing loot boxes, even if Valve only implemented it in order to drive sales rather than showing its hand outright. Does this make loot boxes better in your eyes or do you still condemn the practice?

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Rocket League rare item drop rates revealed ahead of future game changes https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/rocket-league-rare-item-drop-rates-revealed-ahead-of-future-game-changes/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/rocket-league-rare-item-drop-rates-revealed-ahead-of-future-game-changes/#respond Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:26:31 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=380621 When it comes to loot boxes in video games, one of the big topics of conversation has surrounded the disclosure of drop rates for certain items. A few publishers have revealed drop rates for their games, and now Rocket League is joining in. Rocket League is set to get a few significant changes this year. …

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When it comes to loot boxes in video games, one of the big topics of conversation has surrounded the disclosure of drop rates for certain items. A few publishers have revealed drop rates for their games, and now Rocket League is joining in.

Rocket League is set to get a few significant changes this year. For starters, the progression system is getting revamped. On top of that, Rocket League will be taking some pointers from Fortnite and PUBG by adding the ‘Rocket Pass' which will give players keys to unlock crates and a few other benefits.

Before all of these changes come into play, Psyonix revealed the drop rates for items in Rocket League, which have remained the same since 2016. Changes could be made in the future, but for now, here are the drop rates:

  • Rare Item: 55%
  • Very Rare Item: 28%
  • Import Item: 12%
  • Exotic Item: 4%
  • Black Market Item: 1%
  • Chance of receiving Painted attribute: 25%
  • Chance of receiving Certified attribute: 25%

When you open a crate in Rocket League, a three step system is in place. First, the algorithm will choose the rarity of your item based on the different percentages. Step two determines which item within that rarity group is dropped, and then it will be determined whether or not your item is painted or has certified attributes.

KitGuru Says: I've been playing Rocket League again recently, in large part thanks to the summer event and launch on Nintendo Switch. Have any of you wondered what the drop rates are for items in Rocket League? Do you think more developers should disclose like this?

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WB and Monolith fully remove microtransactions from Middle-earth: Shadow of War https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/wb-and-monolith-fully-remove-microtransactions-from-middle-earth-shadow-of-war/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/wb-and-monolith-fully-remove-microtransactions-from-middle-earth-shadow-of-war/#respond Wed, 18 Jul 2018 08:58:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=380100 Alongside EA’s Star Wars: Battlefront II, Middle-earth: Shadow of War was one of the main culprits to raise concerns about loot boxes. WB heard concerns back in April, removing loot boxes and assured fans that it would eventually get rid of microtransactions in its entirety. As of the latest patch, the publisher has finally fulfilled …

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Alongside EA’s Star Wars: Battlefront II, Middle-earth: Shadow of War was one of the main culprits to raise concerns about loot boxes. WB heard concerns back in April, removing loot boxes and assured fans that it would eventually get rid of microtransactions in its entirety. As of the latest patch, the publisher has finally fulfilled that promise, with the whole market being ripped out and replaced.

While Orcs could previously be recruited via Online Vendettas and Ranked Conquests, these are now unlocked through the Garrison. These can still be trained, upgraded and customised by using the in-game currency, Mirian.

Character progression has also been altered, adding brand new prestige skills and pushing the follower level-cap up to 80 and enemy level-cap up to 85. XP earned through Nemesis Missions, defeating Captains, and doing Online Conquests has also been increased in order to keep pace with the changes.

Post-campaign Shadow Wars have also seen an overhaul following criticism, changing its name to the Epilogue. Shelob, the Witch-king, and Dark Talion carry the player through streamlined narration, offering the player the Masks of Nazgul and new combat abilities for completing it. Using the newfound skills, players can raise the dead, summon monsters and cast curses in order to hop back into the main game to defend their fortresses.

Developer Monolith’s renowned Nemesis system has also been tweaked to allow players to turn the Saviour feature off to prevent duels being interrupted. Followers will also occasionally offer the player gifts while on the hunt for even more Legendary Orcs than before. And all of this can be done while playing as Celebrimbor, Dark Eltariel and Baranor too.

KitGuru Says: This is certainly a good move from WB, albeit a late one, which makes me more interested in picking up the game. What do you think about the total removal of microtransactions?

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