UK Games Industry To Finally Restrict Loot Box Access

We all hate lootboxes and all wish the predatory micro-transactions would go away and leave gaming for good. Today those wishes have gotten closer to being answered with the UK Games Industry revealing it’s plans to restrict access to loot boxes for children.

New Loot Box Restrictions in The UK

As reported by the BBC, the UKie which represents games companies have revealed its guidelines towards loot boxes which have been rightfully perceived as gambling and have no place in gaming. The group has proposed new guidelines which “improve protections for all players” and “underline the industry’s commitment to safe and responsible play”. The new principles from the UKie include a commitment to introducing controls to restrict anyone under 18 from acquiring a loot box without the consent or knowledge of a parent or legal guardian as well as raising awareness of these controls. Game companies will also have to disclose the presence of loot boxes in games with clear probabilities shown before the purchase of loot boxes as well as more clear and lenient refund policies. The group also wishes to tackle unauthorised external sale of lootbox items from other sources.

Long Overdue

This is long overdue as lootboxes combined with the addictive personalities of a lot of gamers is a terrible combination but a fantastic combination for companies looking to make money. Whilst this move is a step in the right direction, fewer games are making use of loot boxes with many opting for battle passes instead which are an arguably better alternative. A battle pass gives you a clear indication of what you would be getting for your money however the downside is that you aren’t guaranteed any of it unless you play the game consistently which those with full time jobs to pay for the battle pass, don’t often have the time to do so. Now of course, i’m fully aware that game developers need income and battle passes provide a good source of post launch income. Plus a battle pass can keep a game going for longer as it makes a great motivator for many gamers to come back and play so despite it still being something that fuels an addiction, it’s much preferrable with a one time purchase.

You can read the full guidelines at UKIE.org and be sure to Let us know your thoughts in the comments.