Thursday, August 8th 2019
Console Makers, Publishers Agree to Disclose Loot Box Odds for "Ethical Surprise Mechanics"
We've been covering the loot box controversy for a while on TechPowerUp now. Independently of which side of the fence you're on - that loot boxes are akin to gambling and thus unethical in some of their implementations, or just cold to the entire issue - it's likely good news for everyone that these so-called "surprise mechanics", as they've been called, will now see their odds being disclosed by console makers and publishers.
The commitment has come out of an agreement between the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and major publishers and console makers such as Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Bethesda WB Interactive Entertainment, Take-Two Interactive, Activision Blizzard, Bandai Namco Entertainment, and Wizards of the Coast (not all of them are listed here), struck while in a loot box workshop with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
A big part of this change will come from console makers, who will enforce new platform-wide policies regarding loot box marketing and implementation on their platforms. It's expected that these changes will come into effect sometime next year - which could coincide with the new generation of consoles from at least Microsoft and Sony. It remains to be seen if profits from loot boxes remain the same after gamers see the odd for that uber-mega-mythical item they're chasing stands at 0.000369587% per box.
Source:
Forbes
A big part of this change will come from console makers, who will enforce new platform-wide policies regarding loot box marketing and implementation on their platforms. It's expected that these changes will come into effect sometime next year - which could coincide with the new generation of consoles from at least Microsoft and Sony. It remains to be seen if profits from loot boxes remain the same after gamers see the odd for that uber-mega-mythical item they're chasing stands at 0.000369587% per box.
40 Comments on Console Makers, Publishers Agree to Disclose Loot Box Odds for "Ethical Surprise Mechanics"
Sorry won't explain everything -as it would simply take too much time and space- for those who don't play WoWs. Take ships in early access when new line is released. You can unlock mission for 4 ships (right now there is French DD arc running). As you move up from Tier 5 to 8, chance of obtaining the mission for a ship drop dramatically. For first ship it's in the region of 3% and oh well most folks should get at least one (emphasis on word: -most-). Gaining additional missions is border line impossibility. There are people who spend $$$/$$$$ to get all ships in early access but it was proven time and time again that unlocking that final ship requires well over 200 containers (each cost 2.7 Euro). Of course there are folks who won millions of doubloons (in game currency) in Ranked and Clan Wars. I have nothing against about spending that to buy containers (or getting 5th early access ship - Mogador for 30000 :eek: - cough, cough, madness, cough, cough, it'll be for (free)XP & credits in 2 months time). I have nothing about people spending cash to get this illusory ships - their money. It just shows beautifully how to exploit people desires. While I've returned to WoWs about 3 months ago I leaned alot in previous stint where not to spend (and man I was sucked bad, overspend by the -long-tonnes, I had to leave).
In last two years there were multiple ship lines released, it's obvious that RNG got progressively worse. While majority of players could unlock for example 3 or 4 French BB last year from free containers for doing game missions, with UK DDs 7-8 months later it was just ridiculous - many folks presented proofs of buying well in excess of 200 containers and not getting all 4 ships.
Wargaming certainly noticed that they've lost close to half of player base in space of last 8 months (catchphrase: CV re-work) so they adjusted chances accordingly. Instead 38-40k people (on EU server) at peak weekend times pre CV-rework, there is now like 23, 24k, 25k sometimes folks.
Ferengi Rule of Acquisition #10: GREED is Eternal.
The End.
This is all about character. Which is why I don't have a problem with lootboxes' existence, but with their indiscriminate presence in games aimed at kids.
Edit: I have the same problem with p2w in every form.