The Justice Minister of Belgium wants to not only have loot boxes banned in Belgium but also “certainly” tries to ban them from Europe. However, this will take time.
Resistance is also stirring in Hawaii
In the USA, the topic has now reached politics as well. A state politician from Hawaii, who sits in the parliament there, has spoken out against the “predatory behavior” of these loot boxes. He seeks support to take action against these loot boxes. He also sees children as particularly endangered.
In a statement along with other politicians, the discussion revolves around the power of the Star Wars brand, which should not be misused to lure children into gambling. Previously, cigarette companies were banned from advertising with characters aimed at children like Joe Camel. Such manipulation should now also be prohibited with loot boxes.
At the moment, these are just declarations of intent in Hawaii and Belgium, but they are receiving much attention. For opponents of loot boxes, it is now about establishing the political will for a change.
More on the topic:
Belgium investigates loot boxes in Overwatch and Star Wars Battlefront II
After all the trouble surrounding loot boxes in games like Star Wars Battlefront 2, resistance is stirring in politics. In Europe, Belgium is at the forefront of the movement. The Justice Minister wants to have loot boxes banned in Europe.
With loot boxes, you don’t know what you’re getting beforehand; you buy them blind and only have a certain probability of getting the item you want. Some of the games with loot boxes are aimed at teenagers and children. Opening a loot box is often celebrated like in a casino. A dangerous mix – for many, it is gambling and should be regulated.
In recent weeks, there have been attempts by players to get the governments of various countries to address the issue. They worked on petitions and tried to raise public awareness. However, no one bit yet – but Star Wars Battlefront 2 has now put the topic on the agenda. The situation has changed. Politics is addressing the issue.
Last week, we reported that a Belgian commission wants to deal with loot boxes in games. It has now come to a conclusion. The commission finds: “The mix of money and addiction is gambling.” The Belgian Justice Minister agrees: “The mix of gambling and gaming is particularly dangerous for teenagers and children and threatens their mental health.”
The Justice Minister of Belgium wants to not only have loot boxes banned in Belgium but also “certainly” tries to ban them from Europe. However, this will take time.
Resistance is also stirring in Hawaii
In the USA, the topic has now reached politics as well. A state politician from Hawaii, who sits in the parliament there, has spoken out against the “predatory behavior” of these loot boxes. He seeks support to take action against these loot boxes. He also sees children as particularly endangered.
In a statement along with other politicians, the discussion revolves around the power of the Star Wars brand, which should not be misused to lure children into gambling. Previously, cigarette companies were banned from advertising with characters aimed at children like Joe Camel. Such manipulation should now also be prohibited with loot boxes.
At the moment, these are just declarations of intent in Hawaii and Belgium, but they are receiving much attention. For opponents of loot boxes, it is now about establishing the political will for a change.
More on the topic:
Belgium investigates loot boxes in Overwatch and Star Wars Battlefront II
