2017 ignited a debate on loot boxes and microtransactions in games after games like Star Wars Battlefront II and Middle-earth: Shadow of War contained these practices, and now GamesIndustry.biz reports that the Netherlands Gaming Authority has decided that 10 of four studied games had loot box mechanics that violate the so-called Better Gaming Act. This violation is defined by "loot box mechanics that require no skill element whatsoever, and contain exchangeable items that hold market value outside the game."
The developers of these games now have until June 20 to change the mechanics, or they'll get a fine or even a prohibition to sell the game in that region, meaning the Netherlands is now the first country in Europe to take action against loot boxes. Local site NOS specified that these four games were FIFA 18, Dota 2, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, and Rocket League.
GamesIndustry.biz also states that "analysis of the studied loot boxes found elements of addictive design, noting that the mechanic is often presented in a similar way to gambling games such as slot machines and roulette."
Do you approve of the findings of the Netherlands Gaming Authority?