Lawmaker Working to Ban Sale of Games With 'Lootboxes' to Minors

Chris Lee, a member of Hawaii’s state House of Representatives, is drafting legislation that would prohibit the sale of games with randomized in-app purchases, known as “lootboxes,” to gamers under 21 years old. Lootbox systems have been increasingly compared to gambling, as well as drawing the ire of gamers themselves, who derisively refer to the mechanic as “pay to win.”

Lee describes lootboxes as “predatory,” and their randomized nature seems to be built around the same reward structures that make gambling addictive. Lee’s push was highlighted today by Kotaku, and Lee told the gaming outlet that since announcing his proposal, he’s heard stories of children spending thousands of dollars on gaming microtransactions. In one case relayed to Lee, a child reportedly stole a parents’ credit card to pay for game purchases.

Lee’s initative could pave the way to national legislation, and is being documented in videos posted online by his office.

In taped discussions with aides, Lee has made clear he has no desire to prohibit or restrict in-game purchases as such, as long as rewards are not random.

The marketplace seems to be making some headway in fighting back against lootboxes. Player disgust with the systems reached a fever pitch surrounding Electronic Arts’ Star Wars Battlefront II, leading the publisher to remove lootbox elements from the game at launch. The controversy nonetheless seems to have badly tarnished the game, which as of this week has fallen dramatically short of sales projections. Lee — himself an avowed gamer — has previously referred to Battlefront IIas a “Star Wars-themed online casino.”

Lootbox sales still drive big revenue for publishers including EA. Lee, a Democrat, told Kotaku that he’s seen interest in and support for his and similar legislation across party lines, but warns that game industry lobbying groups are gearing up to defend the practice.


http://amp.timeinc.net/fortune/2017...lootboxes-to-minors?__twitter_impression=true

 

Well, technically the only in-game purchase in Battle Bay are pearls. Pearls can be used for literally almost anything like crew training, gold&sugar, buying items and of course buying boxes.
So, you don't have to use your pearls on the random boxes and crates as you can buy items from the shop(for an extreme pearl price).

 

True. But the point is to make all the items obtainable by purchasing. Not purchasing to have a chance to obtain the item.

 

That's the thing. Right now there is no benefit for small or medium spenders. You have to spend some serious money to get legendaries. I'd save some of my coffee money to spend on some good deals but right now there's nothing special I can get for $50 -100 that I can't obtain in 2-3 weeks as f2p.

 

First the net-neutrality crap, now this...

 

When you look at the title and your brain autocorrects lawmaker to lawnmower

 

It is @CaffeinatedChris ! He is a Hawaiian judge!

 

just make the boxes cost stars again. you can't buy stars.

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Well, we have a new reason not to vote democrat!