CS:GO players from the Netherlands are disappointed. Loot boxes violate gambling laws and Valve obeys: They can no longer be opened.
The discussion around loot boxes, treasure chests, or whatever you want to call the purchasable boxes with random rewards, is gaining momentum in many countries. There are recurring debates about whether loot boxes should be considered gambling. In the Netherlands, there has now been a first decision: The loot boxes are gambling.
Only opening is prohibited
Valve “does not understand the laws”: Valve, which operates Counter Strike: Global Offensive, stated that they “do not understand or agree with” the rules, but saw no other option than to temporarily disable the opening of loot boxes in the Netherlands. They have requested clarification from the relevant authority to find out the exact interpretation of the law.
The trading of already obtained items on the Steam market is still possible. The law apparently only deals with the opening of loot boxes.
Ultimatum expired in June. Already in April, it was noted in the Netherlands that loot boxes could lead “socially vulnerable groups” to slip into other forms of gambling. Therefore, the date of June 20 was set, by which developers should ensure that games comply with the laws. The problem here was, however, that it was never clearly stated which of the reviewed games were violating the laws. Valve felt compelled to act.
Also in Belgium, the topic was already discussed a few months ago, stating that games like CS:GO, Overwatch, and FIFA 18 would violate existing rules and regulations; however, no deadline was set for when developers should take action. At least in Belgium, Valve has also now disabled the opening of loot boxes for CS:GO.
Would you wish that such laws and regulations were also introduced in Germany and that loot boxes disappeared from games?
