Video gaming loot boxes under investigation in Belgium

The use of loot boxes in video gaming – “crates” of prizes, upgrades and accessories the contents of which are not known when won through loyalty points or by purchase – is currently under investigation by the super-strict Belgian Gaming Commission, which contends that the product is a form of gambling which is exposing young players to betting.

The focus of the investigation appears to be the new Electronic Arts game Star Wars Battlefront II, which features loot boxes that can be won through players accumulating in-game points, or by purchase, where players buy virtual points with real money to obtain a loot box.

BGC chief Peter Naessens, says games with elements of gambling require a permit to go on sale. If the Commission investigation finds that the practice constitutes gambling the publisher could face punitive fines or have to remove the game from Belgian circulation.

According to industry reports, it takes player hours of gameplay in Stars Wars Battlefront II to unlock heroes such as Darth Vader or Chewbacca. These heroes, however, can be easily unlocked by players willing to spend their own money in buying a loot box.

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