A draft European Digital Fairness Act addressing paid randomized loot boxes has leaked online. If adopted, major publishers will have to rethink their usual ways of monetizing games.
The primary goal is to protect children and teenagers, who are the most vulnerable to manipulative mechanics. According to the draft, randomized reward systems, as well as the sale of virtual currency and items, should be disabled by default for minors.
The new rules will also affect adult players. Lawmakers want to give them the ability to completely disable offers associated with gambling-like mechanics. Publishers will also have to transparently display the real-money prices of purchases, as well as the odds of receiving specific rewards. Hiding costs behind fictional digital coins will no longer be permitted.
Special attention is given to pay-to-win systems that push users to spend real money for normal progression in a game. The document notes that modern titles employ sophisticated psychological techniques, encouraging players to make further purchases. Such mechanics could become unavailable to children.
The initiative continues widespread changes across the European gaming market. Earlier, the PEGI age rating system was revised: for example, the latest installment in the EA Sports football series featuring Ultimate Team mode and paid card packs now receives a 16+ rating, whereas such games could previously be marked as suitable for children from three years of age.