In Singapore, Free2Play MMOs could soon be facing significant challenges. A proposal to expand the definition of gambling could now also affect popular Free2Play MMOs.
“Gashapon”: We know the system from Asian-themed games like Neverwinter Online, ArcheAge, or partly from Guild Wars 2. The player has found a “lockbox,” a closed chest, in the game and can buy the key to such a chest for real money. They hope that an item they need – or at least want – is contained within.
The model falls under the general term “Freemium” here: The player has the option to play the MMO for free. Those who pay enjoy advantages.
In principle, it’s nothing more than a gamble, one might say regarding these chests: You pay real money to buy the chance for a value in return. This is no different from roulette or lottery.
According to Games in Asia, there is currently a legislative proposal in Singapore that would change the legal situation, making the freemium model subject to strict gambling laws. According to the local law firm “Stanford Law”, the proposed change would lead to the illegalization of the “Gashapon” elements in games. If the law passes through Parliament, the police and authorities could also search the offices of developer studios against which there is reasonable suspicion. Foreign companies would also be affected by the regulation.
It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
Do you know those gumball machines that usually give out gum but sometimes also dispense a ring? Then you know the basic principle of Gashapon. The dimensions it takes in Asia can be seen in this video:
