The Entertainment Software Ratings Board, or ESRB, have been quiet about the whole loot box and microtransactions debate ever since it flared up in a big way late last year, but they’ve finally struck whilst the iron is cool and announced that they will be adding an “in-game purchases” label to future games.
In a statement on Twitter, the ESRB laid out what this new rule would entail and how it would affect games going forward:
An update on in-game purchases from your friends at ESRB: pic.twitter.com/pqmfJe0Ywz
— ESRB (@ESRBRatings) February 27, 2018
There are two interesting tidbits to take from that statement. Firstly, this new label is being added to all games that feature any kind of additional purchase, whether that be microtransaction, DLC, Season Pass or whatever. Of course, many have said that this will lead to the ESRB adding the label to any game coming out these days, which isn’t exactly far from the truth.
Secondly, the ESRB are launching a new website called ParentalTools.org, which aims to provide parents with all the information they’ll need when purchasing a game for their kids. This sentiment was reiterated by ESRB President Patricia Vance, who talked about the news on a call with reporters (thanks Kotaku): “Parents need simple information. We can’t overwhelm them with a lot of detail… We have not found that parents are differentiating between these different mechanics.”
Though this is unquestionably a step in the right direction in dealing with the rising tide of microtransactions and loot boxes, some have wondered what the ESRB will do if a game introduces microtransactions in a patch after the game launches. Also, many are criticising the ESRB for describing loot boxes as “a fun way to acquire virtual items for use within the game” (thanks again Kotaku), essentially sidestepping the loot boxes as gambling debate.
Though the ESRB is the self-regulatory body for America only, it’ll be interesting to see if organisations like Pan European Game Information (PEGI) follow suit. What do you think of this latest development? Let us know in the comments.
Speaking of loot boxes, Outlast is coming to the Switch. Check it out. Get it? The joke is that both loot boxes and Outlast are horrifying. Cultured Vultures: come for the news, stay for the brilliant segues.
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