UK Government demands games companies protect children from loot boxes, but stops short of legislation
Christopher Dring
Head of Games B2B
Sunday 17th July 2022
The UK Government has today told the games industry it must take action on loot boxes, or risk future legislation.
In particular, it says children and young people should not be able to buy loot boxes without parental consent. However, it's allowing the games industry to regulate itself for now.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) launched a call for evidence on loot boxes in 2020, and found that players who purchase loot boxes are "more likely to experience gambling, mental health, financial and problem gaming-related harms". But it did not explicitly conclude that loot boxes are the same as gambling.
Loot boxes are a type of in-game item that features a randomised set of items and power ups that players can use in their game. These loot boxes are typically obtained by in-game currency, which can either be unlocked during the game or bought with real money.
The most popular loot box game in the UK is the football title FIFA, which features a mode called Ultimate Team where players can buy 'packs' of players and other items in order to build their dream football team.
The UK Government says these loot boxes should not be available to children and young people unless they are approved by a parent or guardian. In a release, the DCMS cited Xbox's measures that allow parents to prevent under-18s from spending money within games. It says the Government wants stronger protections from across the entire industry and "will not hesitate to consider legislation if companies do not bring in sufficient measures to keep players safe".
In addition, the DCMS has called for measures that support those players who spend a disproportionate amount of money on loot
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