Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony Working on New Policy for Loot Box Probability - IGN

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced that Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony are working on new loot box policies for their platforms that would disclose a range of odds for a player's purchase.ESA Chief Counsel of Tech Policy, Michael Warnecke, shared details Wednesday morning at the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Inside the Game Workshop surrounding loot boxes, as reported byGamesIndustry.

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Warnecke explained what has been done prior to address loot box issues, and followed with the announcement of a new probability system with Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo.

"That said, we are doing more. I'm pleased to announce this morning that Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony have indicated to ESA a commitment to new platform policies with respect to the use of paid loot boxes in games that are developed for their platform," Warnecke said. "Specifically, this would apply to new games and game updates that add loot box features. And it would require the disclosure of the relative rarity or probabilities of obtaining randomized virtual items in games that are available on their platforms."

"As well, many of the leading video game publishers of the Entertainment Software Association have decided that they are going to implement a similar approach at the publisher level to provide consumers this information and give them enhanced information to make purchase decisions."

The controversy around loot boxes being a potential form of gambling has been discussed for years, with theFTC opening an investigation around its impact on children last November. Some countries, such asBelgium and the Netherlands have taken a stance against loot boxes, while others,including New Zealandandthe UK have determined they are not a form of gambling.

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Earlier this summer, EA's VP of Legal and Government Affairs,Kerry Hopkins, said loot boxes are "surprise mechanics" in comparison with children's toys such as Hatchimals.

Just yesterday,developer Psyonix announced they will be phasing out randomized loot boxes in Rocket League, and switching to a system where players will be able to see exactly the items they are purchasing.

What is your stance on loot boxes? Let us know in the comments below.Jessie Wade is Homepage Editor at IGN. Chat with her on Twitter@jessieannwade.

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