Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Blizzard Entertainment

The US Federal Trade Commission will investigate loot boxes

The decision came after senator Maggie Hassan made an official request for the investigation.
This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information

The United States Federal Trade Commission will open an investigation on video game loot boxes. Democratic senator Maggie Hassan issued an official request for the investigation during a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation subcommittee hearing on Nov. 27.

Recommended Videos

FTC chairman Joe Simmons agreed to Hassan’s request, which cited other loot box regulations from Belgium, Japan, and the Netherlands. “Loot boxes are now endemic in the video game industry and are present in everything from casual smart phone games to the newest, highest budget releases,” Hassan said. “Loot boxes will represent a $50 billion industry by the year 2022.”

Related: Legislators are targeting loot boxes, here’s why

Hassan’s $50 billion quote is from a 2018 study from U.K.-based research agency Juniper Report. The massive number is supported by a $20 billion growth in four years, the total of which is equal to roughly half of the overall gaming industry’s estimated revenue in 2017 and more than 50 times the value of the esports industry as a whole, according to market research firm Newzoo.

She continued: “Given the seriousness of this issue, I think it is time for the FTC to investigate these mechanisms to ensure that children are being adequately protected and to educate parents about potential addiction and other negative impacts of these games.”

It’s loot boxes’ “close link” to gambling that could cause the most potential harm, Hassan said.

Video game loot boxes have seen close consideration over the past few years, brought forth by controversy surrounding Star Wars Battlefront 2’s loot crate system. Developer Electronic Arts has since reworked the system. Of course, all loot boxes are not created equal. Much of the push back is focused on “pay-to-win” models that use chance-based systems. But loot boxes are causing concern elsewhere, too. In China, developers are required to publish drop rates for loot boxes in an interest of transparency.

Belgium video game players are no longer able to buy loot boxes in-game using real money, per legislation that makes the practice illegal. Developers that continue to sell loot boxes could face criminal investigations.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Nicole Carpenter
Nicole Carpenter
Nicole Carpenter is a reporter for Dot Esports. She lives in Massachusetts with her cat, Puppy, and dog, Major. She's a Zenyatta main who'd rather be playing D.Va.