I don’t think anybody really likes paid, randomised loot boxes…other than game publishers who chuckle with malevolent glee as they rhythmically tap the tips of their fingers together whenever they see how much money they make off of them. Buying digital lucky packets kinda sucks, especially when you’re after a specific bit of kit, armour or decal and it’s hidden behind a randomised pay wall.

Continuing the UK’s general inquiry into the legality of loot boxes, Margot James stated that loot boxes are in no way gambling but do lead to gambling. Should we tell her? Over the past few weeks, the UK has been following up on claims that loot boxes, every publisher’s favourite form of income, function as some form of gambling targeted …

Providing testimony to the UK parliament regarding the implementation of blind loot boxes, EA has shared some rather choice words in its attempt to rebrand.

I don’t think anybody other than game publishers actually really likes Loot Boxes and microtransactions, but we as consumers have learned to put up with them, especially when they’re the less egregious sort that only doles out cosmetic fluff. Of course, there is that nice dopamine rush that comes with opening loot boxes, especially when they dish out items you actually want. Of course, while that feels good, it’s not quite the same as liking something; it’s more like an abusive relationship, and one of the reasons that legislators are starting to view loot boxes as being problematic.

EA will be removing the ability for FIFA players to spend real money on the points used to buy FIFA Ultimate Team packs in Belgium.

More and more governments are starting to probe loot boxes, investigating whether or not they’re akin to gambling and what harmful effects they might have on children. Some US states, like Hawaii, have also looked to legislate them. Now, the US’s Federal Trade Commission will investigate loot boxes to see if the monetisation method is akin to gambling.

One company that isn’t ready to toss the towel in yet on loot boxes? Ubisoft, as the French publisher has seen its stock rise thanks to the microtransaction vehicle.

Now, it looks like Valve is changing the systems elsewhere too. The new Treasure Update now includes the odds of getting rare treats from Treasures.