Stricter regulations for loot boxes in online games advocated by Lower Saxony
Fighting Gambling Mechanisms in Video Games: Stricter Regulations on the Horizon
Published on: 27.02.2025. Last updated: 29.04.2025.
The Lower Saxony state parliament has taken a stand against gambling-like content in video games, such as EAFC, by seeking stricter regulations. This push has gained support from the SPD, Greens, and CDU, while the AfD abstained.
The focus of discussions includes age ratings, increased transparency, and mandatory labeling. The issue surrounding loot boxes and their impact on minors is a recurring topic in regulatory debates.
Consumer Concerns and the Case for Change
Loot boxes are a cause for concern among consumer advocates and gamers alike. The German Consumer Protection Minister, Miriam Staudte, likening these virtual packages to a "gateway into gambling," highlights the potential harm they can cause for children and young people.
Calls for Change at EU Level
Hoping to influence regulations at the EU level, the SPD and Greens in Lower Saxony have advocated for stricter regulatory measures. These include mandatory labeling of addictive elements and the possibility of an age rating of 18 for games containing loot boxes. Additionally, a more transparent pricing structure should be ensured to make hidden costs more evident.
These guidelines could impact popular games like EAFC, which, despite receiving an age rating of 12 in its latest edition, has faced controversy regarding loot boxes. In Austria, the Higher Regional Court of Vienna (OLG Wien) ruled in October 2024 that loot boxes in EA's FIFA games are not considered gambling.
International Precedents and Future Debates
Countries like Belgium have already taken action against games with loot boxes, prompting adjustments from developers. Games like Overwatch, CS:GO, and League of Legends may soon see changes to their monetization models.
This initiative has had the support of the SPD, Greens, and CDU, while the AfD has abstained. Although the resolution does not have immediate legal implications, it serves as a foundation for a broader, nationwide, and EU-wide discussion. Supporters view loot boxes as a stepping stone to gambling and advocate for more extensive protective measures.
Conference Exploring Loot Boxes and Their Impact
The question of whether loot boxes should be classified as gambling remains unresolved in Germany. While states like Lower Saxony push for stricter regulations, the federal government favors provider responsibility. A forthcoming conference, hosted by gluecksspielwesen.de on March 6, 2025, at 10:00, aims to shed light on the issue from various perspectives. Experts from politics, science, and industry are set to discuss regulatory approaches and responsibilities.
Interested parties can join the discussion by registering for the webinar here.
YouTuber and Twitch streamer Trymacs, 30, has also expressed concerns regarding pay-to-win mechanics in EA Sports FC25, labeling the loot boxes in the Ultimate Team mode as illegal gambling.
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- What are the political parties' views on stricter regulations against gambling-like content in video games, such as EAFC? The SPD, Greens, and CDU support the stricter regulations, while the AfD abstains.
- In the context of discussions about loot boxes in video games, what measures are being proposed by the SPD and Greens in Lower Saxony at the EU level? They propose mandatory labeling of addictive elements, the possibility of an age rating of 18 for games containing loot boxes, and a more transparent pricing structure.
- According to German Consumer Protection Minister Miriam Staudte, what does she compare loot boxes to? Staudte likens loot boxes to a "gateway into gambling."
- What did the Higher Regional Court of Vienna (OLG Wien) rule in October 2024 concerning loot boxes in EA's FIFA games? The court ruled that loot boxes in EA's FIFA games are not considered gambling.
