Missouri Senator Takes Step to Ban Exploitative Loot Boxes in Video Games

Whether or not you have kids, or are a gamer yourself, you have come across micro transactions in one way or another. It seems fair enough to pay to buy more poke balls for Pokemon go, or cash out for some Township money to build that special addition you have been working for. Companies make it next to impossible to complete tasks in the amount of time given so that it encourages you to want to buy things before the time limit ends. For example the seasonal challenges in Township. But for some games the “pay to play” model has become a huge problem. And the fact that some of the loot boxes are like surprise eggs where you don’t know what you are getting and could be wasting your money is an even bigger issue.

One Missouri Senator, Senator Josh Hawley is seeking to put an end to deceitful practices when it comes to “luck of the draw” lootboxes.

He announced on Wednesday that:

“Social media and video games prey on user addiction, siphoning our kids’ attention from the real world and extracting profits from fostering compulsive habits. No matter this business model’s advantages to the tech industry, one thing is clear: there is no excuse for exploiting children through such practices. When a game is designed for kids, game developers shouldn’t be allowed to monetize addiction. And when kids play games designed for adults, they should be walled off from compulsive microtransactions. Game developers who knowingly exploit children should face legal consequences.” -from Variety

His new bill is called the “Protecting Children from Abusive Games Act”. If this passes we will see a whole new kind of game for anyone under the age of 18 and also games where developers knowingly allow minors to play. There will be considerable changes to any type of microtransaction and there will be a ban on any type of loot box with randomized or partially randomized rewards.

As a parent I am for this. As a player I am for this. If we can get more games like we used to have where we have to quest for a reward in the game or complete a series challenges than even better. I feel like casual gaming is one thing but paying to play is going a little bit overboard.

What do you think of this proposed bill? Tell us in the comments!