Video Game Loot Boxes Will Not be Banned According to the UK Government

After much deliberation over purchases of loot boxes in video games, the UK government has stated they will not ban loot boxes, opting for tougher, industry-led protection.

As part of the government’s ongoing review of the gambling act, loot boxes have been actively reviewed due to evidence these in-game purchases could lead to future problem gambling.

Loot Boxes

Loot Boxes are popular in games such as FIFA and Call of Duty, these are similar to a lucky dip, players pay to unlock items or characters to enhance gameplay, but they don’t know precisely what they are getting.

In 2018, Belgium banned loot boxes but Nadine Dorries, UK Culture minister said an outright ban would not be adopted in the UK, opting for tighter, industry-led regulation.

Premature to Take Legislative Action

Dorries said banning loot boxes could encourage children to use adult accounts, therefore children could end up overspending with limited parental restrictions.

“Our view is that it would be premature to take legislative action without first pursuing enhanced industry-led measures to deliver protections for children, young people, and all players.”

 It’s expected government bodies and video game developers are to hold talks as to what they can provide in terms of extra protection with a view to an update in early 2023.

The Department for Digital, Media, and Culture said, “We expect games companies and platforms to improve protections for children, young people, and adults, and for tangible results to begin to be seen in the near future.

“If this does not happen, we will not hesitate to consider legislative options, if we deem it necessary to protect children and adults.”