The German government is contemplating implementing strong guidelines for the use of loot boxes in the gaming industry.
In the past 10 years, there has been a significant increase in the use of loot boxes in video games. Even though most players are children, the rising popularity of loot boxes has sparked worries about their addictive nature, which mimics that of online slot machines. In Europe, there is a growing backlash against loot boxes, with several countries looking into ways to limit children’s access to them due to the potential for addictive behavior, similar to gambling addiction.
The issue of protecting children and regulating loot boxes is an ongoing topic in Germany, as reported by the information platform Gluecksspielwesen.de. The Bundestag has already taken steps to impose stricter regulations on the use of loot boxes, with support from representatives of various political parties.
Linda Heitmann, a member of the Green Party in the Bundestag, recently addressed the potential harm of loot boxes, particularly for minors and young adults. She has proposed a plan to regulate loot boxes and recognizes that their attractive rewards can lead to addictive behavior. Heitmann emphasized the importance of strong and efficient regulation, calling for game developers to provide educational campaigns and implement technical measures such as automatic time limits, encouraging breaks, and even prohibiting loot boxes.
Loot boxes, which entice children and young individuals, are a troubling and hazardous aspect of video games. It is crucial to acknowledge that game developers possess a troubling level of ingenuity in exploiting young players and promoting addictive behaviors. There is a clear need for stricter legislation and rules in this area.
explains Linda Heitmann
To maintain gaming as a recreational pastime, limitations should be placed on loot boxes.
In order to ensure that gaming remains a leisurely activity, it is necessary to impose restrictions on the use of loot boxes.
Fabian Gramling, a member of the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag, has stated that talks about safeguarding gamers from profitable loot boxes have intensified in recent times. He restated Heitmann’s stance that these lucrative game features should be subject to regulation.
According to Gramling, it is estimated that approximately 330,000 adolescents are experiencing pathological gambling tendencies, highlighting the importance of implementing strict regulations in the gaming industry. He also emphasized the importance of conducting research on the impact of loot boxes before implementing any changes in the sector.
I place a high value on ensuring that playing games is a positive and enjoyable experience without involving any unexpected financial risks.
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Lena Werner is a member of the Social Democratic Party in the Bundestag.
SPD member of the Bundestag, Lena Werner, emphasized the significance of the gaming industry in Germany. She noted that a considerable portion of the industry’s revenue comes from in-game transactions, such as loot boxes. However, Werner also expressed her support for maintaining a risk-free and enjoyable gaming industry for all individuals. She believes that gaming should be a form of leisure and not a form of “hidden gambling.”
Other European countries, apart from Germany, are also investigating ways to control loot boxes. For instance, Austria’s lawmakers are looking into potential legal modifications, which Germany may also consider. Meanwhile, Spain is contemplating implementing age limitations for games with loot boxes.
