FTC to Launch Investigation on Loot Boxes

[ArbitraryAffection]

They are addictive to purchase, I have been in the situation where I pay for a pack of something random in a game, and then you are like "Just one more, next time I will get what I want" and it really badly leads to spending a lot of money on something you didn't really want, especially bad for people who are quite impulsive (Like me)... I have fallen into the trap many times. Maybe I just need more self control, but honestly now I stay clear of loot boxes. Warframe has a few randomised packs of Mods and Relics, the higher end ones are guaranteed something pretty rare/good but the lower end ones only have trash drops (but you still are guaranteed to get something ). But I don't buy them any more. So I think more regulation on them is really needed, as they are essentially a way for a game maker to exploit people to spend more money.

 

[FeelinFroggy]

Personally, I dont like loot boxes and would rather not see them in games. But I also dont want government saying what should and should not be allowed in a game.

It also opens up a flood gate of other potential issues. I mean, baseball cards (not that any buys them anymore) would be banned. The humble bundle monthly plan would then too become illegal. And a million other grab bag type items would fall under the same "gambling" cause.

So I say be careful what you wish for.

 

[Wavetrex]

Well, it's simple - Don't play that game and don't buy those boxes. Vote with your wallet.

Unfortunately, in reality for every person that boycotts these practices there's 1000 kids having access to their mom's creditcard which will pay for it anyway.
World is really f**ed up if ADULT Casino Gambling made it's way into common videogames...

In an actual casino they kick you out at the slightest hint that you're under age. In games... well... you get the idea.

 

[moproblems99]

Gambling is legal in the USA...regulated by the states.

Gambling is legal only to those of proper age. This is where the problem lies. People of not legal age have access to gambling.

 

[R-T-B]

"The intent is to provide players with a sense of pride and accomplishment for unlocking different heroes."

Halp. I can't... see... through the geekiness...

 

[bajs11]

this has been around for many years
I still remember EA/Bioware and their loot boxes for Mass Effect 3 Online multiplayer mode back in 2012

 

[Tomorrow]

this has been around for many years
I still remember EA/Bioware and their loot boxes for Mass Effect 3 Online multiplayer mode back in 2012

^ This

Unfortunately it was overlooked back then. And even with ME Andromeda due to many more issues with the game and the fact that both MP modes are AI Horde not PvP.

 

[bajs11]

^ This

Unfortunately it was overlooked back then. And even with ME Andromeda due to many more issues with the game and the fact that both MP modes are AI Horde not PvP.

I was and still am a big fan of the original ME series but never bothered to play Andromeda not because it doesn't have pvp actually i dont even play pvp games but for other obvious reasons

 

[Tomorrow]

I was and still am a big fan of the original ME series but never bothered to play Andromeda not because it doesn't have pvp actually i dont even play pvp games but for other obvious reasons

Same here. Big fan but very dissapointed how they have squandered a great ME IP. Seems to be a theme with EA when they even managed to damage Star Wars IP with their greed.

I have played over 2500 hours of ME3 MP. It took me a couple of years to unlock everything with grind (i did not buy a single pack with real currency). Same seems to be for Andromeda where i have unlocked and leveled up all but the most Ultra Rare characters and weapon variants. Currently played around 1000 hours.

In case you're wondering - there are some pro's to ME:A MP. For example the ability to kick players mid game, ability to mute individual player mics or the verticality aspect of maps and jet packs. Graphics too obviously. Bad things are easier and less varied/intresting enemies, lack of sync kills where you stay dead for the duration of the wave (except on special weekly platinum missions) etc.

 

[bajs11]

Same here. Big fan but very dissapointed how they have squandered a great ME IP. Seems to be a theme with EA when they even managed to damage Star Wars IP with their greed.

I have played over 2500 hours of ME3 MP. It took me a couple of years to unlock everything with grind (i did not buy a single pack with real currency). Same seems to be for Andromeda where i have unlocked and leveled up all but the most Ultra Rare characters and weapon variants. Currently played around 1000 hours.

In case you're wondering - there are some pro's to ME:A MP. For example the ability to kick players mid game, ability to mute individual player mics or the verticality aspect of maps and jet packs. Graphics too obviously. Bad things are easier and less varied/intresting enemies, lack of sync kills where you stay dead for the duration of the wave (except on special weekly platinum missions) etc.

I haven't even logged onto my Origin account for a very long time but I believe I have slightly less than 2000 hours on ME3 MP.
If I remember correctly I unlocked everything after just over 600 hours of grinding Gold and Platinum missions, in the beginning mostly playing firebase Rio using a krogan and spamming grenades while staying inside a container lol
but the real fun began when I got better and started playing other classes and other maps. My favorite was Asari Justicar simply because it's more difficult than most other characters on platinum.
haha now I want to play me3 multiplayer again

Well I may will buy Andromeda just for the mp in the future. are there collectors in the mp mode?

 

[Tomorrow]

I haven't even logged onto my Origin account for a very long time but I believe I have slightly less than 2000 hours on ME3 MP.
If I remember correctly I unlocked everything after just over 600 hours of grinding Gold and Platinum missions, in the beginning mostly playing firebase Rio using a krogan and spamming grenades while staying inside a container lol
but the real fun began when I got better and started playing other classes and other maps. My favorite was Asari Justicar simply because it's more difficult than most other characters on platinum.
haha now I want to play me3 multiplayer again

Well I may will buy Andromeda just for the mp in the future. are there collectors in the mp mode?

Nope. No collectors. Only Andromeda specific enemies like Kett (think Reapers), Remnant (think Geth) and Outlaw (think Cerberus).
Also 7 waves insted of 11 and like i said not real sync kills. Only animation, can get right back up with medigel or help from teammate.

Also on topic:

Loot Box Crackdown Escalates as US Federal Trade Commission Begins Investigation

 

[Xpect]

I mean, baseball cards (not that any buys them anymore) would be banned.

To that I present you this following German Language Website of one of the biggest Collectible Sticker and Trading Card Company in Europe:

http://collectibles.panini.de/store/col_deu_de/fehlende-sticker-karten.html

They simply let you buy a bit oder sticker and cards to finish you collection individually. So nö need to buy impulsively, simply wait and get All. With a strict "Nö sell for Personal gain" policy.

Simple, effective, keeps them from overstepping regulations.