Video games are increasingly offering the chance to purchase a reward chest or loot box with virtual or physical currency. The player makes a surprise purchase and hopes to get the weapon or key he needs, or the FIFA striker with the highest number of goals. Depending on the franchise or modality, this can be a surprise purchase. The prize is revealed once the payment has been received. It is usually a disappointment, which can cause anxiety and disappointment. However, the game allows you the opportunity to try again with a new chest, a new payment and so forth, as long as you wish.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, this product is commonly known as ‘loot box’ and that it has similar characteristics to games of chance. They also have most of the same risks. Alberto Garzon, the owner of the product, decided to follow the lead of Japan or Belgium and keep the ‘loot box’ from the reach of minors.
The department is working towards this goal by drafting a law that will regulate Random Reward Mechanisms (MAR). These disbursements can be loot boxes or products purchased through the internet or exchange platforms. The Council of Ministers will soon debate the preliminary draft. This is a necessary step before it is sent to Congress.
This rule will ban minors from accessing these reward boxes and will establish a registration system to prevent them. It will either introduce the DNI, or use biometrics or other security measures. The rule will prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from purchasing MAR. However, it will not stop them from activating or offering the video games.
Adults will be able to set limits on these products of opportunity that minimize or completely eliminate the risk they take. Adults can choose to either be excluded completely, as is the case for gambling addicts, or to set purchase limits such as the amount of money that can be spent and the time it must be used. To eliminate any misinterpretations or deceit, video game operators will have to disclose the true chances of the player obtaining the prize, if they make the purchase.
The law will impose strict advertising limits to protect citizens, particularly young people, from products that are considered dangerous. This is similar to those already in place for online gambling promotion. Physical advertising is the type that includes billboards, outdoor posters and magazines. Online advertising will be banned on all social networks and websites not directly related to video games. The promotion of ‘loot box’ radio or television programs will also be prohibited. This applies to broadcasts between one and five in the morning.
To ensure that this series of restrictions and prohibitions is respected, the law includes a strict sanctioning system for infractions. While there will be fines for minor, very serious, and serious offenses, they will all be significant sanctions. While minor offenses may be as low as 25,000 Euros, very serious offenses could result in compensations of between 200,000 and three million Euros for the operator.