The topic of loot boxes as gambling has been raging for years now, but it would appear that Germany could deal the biggest blow to their success yet, as the German government is looking to introduce 18+ age ratings to any game that features loot boxes and gambling-like mechanics.
Germany Is Introducing Law To Regulate Loot Boxes?
According to German outlet Der Spiegel. the Bundestag, Germany’s Federal Parliament, has passed a reform for their 20-year old Youth Protection Act, which would seek to bring in stricter age restrictions for games that feature predatory gambling mechanics, loot boxes being the prime example. This reform has yet to be approved by the Bundesrat, which serves as Germany’s Federal Council, but if it is approved, the reform could be implemented by the end of this Spring.
If it is approved, video games that feature loot boxes will have to be released with a 18+ rating in Germany, with the Der Spiegel report specifically outlining FIFA 21 as a target for this reform. The opening of FIFA Ultimate Team packs has been big business for EA, famously leading to the whole “surprise mechanics” debacle, but EA could be forced to sell FIFA 21 as an 18+ rated game in the future, or remove loot boxes mechanics from their game entirely. Considering EA have already stopped selling FIFA Points in Belgium, Germany might be next.
READ MORE:Â The UK’s House Of Lords State Loot Boxes Are Gambling
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