Microtransactions Roundup: Benelux Still Leads Fight Against Lootboxes

Lootboxes and microtransactions remain one of the hot topics of 2018 and we have you covered with all the latest in our regular roundup! The first countries that actually threaten to to ban games over lootboxes are France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. While Belgium seems determined to take action based on a detailed 25-page research report, France has condemned, but not banned, lootboxes. Some publishers and devs nonetheless have reacted to the development in the Benelux states and even pulled games from the region. TERA in the meantime took a different approach and largely reworked their lockboxes instead based on player feedback. EA might have learned a thing or two as well as they have announced that new arrival Battlefield V will not feature any lootboxes or premium passes.

Studios however are also getting support from different sources. The ESA warns against a certain “over-reaction” in the industry while Nintendo thinks lootboxes are unfairly maligned. You might discuss about the “unfairly” notion, but the effect is undeniable. A recent study concludes that more gamers think lootboxes downgrade rather than improve their gaming experience. The most interesting point of said study however is that the vast majority is not even aware of lootboxes, much less their effects.

So yeah, there’s still a lot going on with lootboxes, politics, law, and hyperbole. We’ll continue to keep you up-to-date with the latest developments and news!


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2 thoughts on “Microtransactions Roundup: Benelux Still Leads Fight Against Lootboxes

  • July 15, 2018 at 12:16 pm
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    The “vast majority” of gamers are not even aware of lootboxes? Cobblers. If that is correct, then the vast majority of gamers they interviewed certainly don’t play MMOs like Neverwinter.

    And surely Benelux is Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg? Not France?

    🙂

    • July 16, 2018 at 7:51 am
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      Yes, would have been better to use “Frabenelux” as term here. Ah well… 🙂

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