British Government seeks public evidence on Loot Boxes

The British Government is seeking evidence from the general public and businesses on the impact of Loot Boxes on consumers. This comes as part of the DCMS Select Committee Immersive and Addictive Technologies Inquiry and is part of a review into the 2005 Gambling Act.

British Government seeks public evidence on Loot Boxes

The British Government has announced that it is seeking evidence from the public to aid in its investigations in to Loot Boxes and the impact that they have on consumers. The public will have until November to make their thoughts and feeling felt on the matter.

The initial announcement for this was made on 8 June 2020 as part of the government’s response to the DCMS Select Committee Immersive and Addictive Technologies Inquiry. In a statement made at the time they said that whilst they were not going to impose a “levi” on the gaming industry to finance research into the effects of Loot Boxes on consumers they did announce that there would be the launch of the call for public evidence. It was also announced as part of that statement that there would be a series of roundtables to discuss the issues and solutions surrounding loot boxes, though at the time of writing no date has been set for these.

From September 23 the public will be able to provide their evidence for the inquiry. Is part of a government review of the Gambling Act 2005 which as a particular focus on the presence of Loot Boxes online and in Games.

Many games, from Team Fortress 2 to the recent Call of Duty titles still feature Loot Boxes

Many games, from Team Fortress 2 to the recent Call of Duty titles still feature Loot Boxes

The public will have until 11:59pm (GMT) 22 November 2020 to have their say on the matter. The government is looking for evidence from two target groups; these being players and parents and guardians of children who play video games, the second group is Video Game businesses and Researchers and Organizations who have an interest in Loot Boxes.

Those wishing to take part in the call for evidence can do by going to the government’s page and filling out either a form online or send it to them via provided postal address.

This is all part of a further investigation that the subcommittee has undertaking for the past couple of years and featured the infamous statement from EA’s Kerry Hopkins that Loot Boxes were “Surprise Mechanics”.

Will you be taking part in the survey? Do you believe that tighter regulations are needed? Or do you believe that Loot Boxes need banning all together? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share the article with people you feel can share evidence for the inquiry.

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