A clear trend is being seen in the video game market. Since we see how many games introduce the so-called microtransactions and loot boxes inside. So users are in many cases forced to make purchases. But this is not ending to be liked in several countries, such as the Netherlands and Belgium. In fact, in the latter they have announced their ban.
These loot boxes are considered unnecessary, abusive and in many cases similar to games of chance. The Belgian Ministry of Justice had been analyzing the situation since November. Finally, they have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to ban them.
They consider that they are especially harmful for minors, who are usually the group that most plays these video games. Since they border on gambling and betting, something that could cause addiction problems in the future. Therefore, in Belgium they have been fighting these loot boxes for several months.
In fact, the country hopes that some European regulation will arrive in this regard. So that all European Union countries officially ban loot boxes and microtransactions in video games. Since the creators of the games thus obtain income by taking advantage of the users.
Games like FIFA, Overwatch and Counter Strike: Global Offensive have been the main ones pointed out by the minister in Belgium. It states that all of them comply with what defines gambling. Since they can report a profit or a loss.
The games that continue to use these loot boxes they face a fine of up to 800.000 euros and even five years in prison. So from Belgium they take this matter very seriously. They are not the only ones, in the Netherlands they have been debating this issue for several weeks. So it would not be surprising if they soon join these types of measures. We'll be alert.