The discussion about whether or not video game loot boxes should be classed as gambling continues to rage on. Government bodies are now beginning to weigh in on the debate with politicians from around the world getting involved, and authorities launching their own investigations into the matter.
But as politicians and fans continue to have that conversation, the games industry has now taken a major step towards self-regulation. If successful, the industry would be able to keep its business models in check without government intervention.
A group called the National Committee for Games Policy has been announced and is made up of games industry experts. There are two halves to the group: a thinktank (ITK) that will not take a stance but will provide data on issues facing the games industry, and a self-regulatory organization (SRO) that will take legal action against “unscrupulous video game companies” that have "damaged the public consciousness in some way, whether mental or physical.” The NCGP also has a consumer center, which allows players to report offending video game companies.
The NCGP's goals have been announced in response to "the current crisis regarding the expansion of loot crate economies and concerns about unregulated online gambling." The group also explains that “Games are not represented or understood in the modern political and judicial world, and that needs to change." So it stands to reason that the controversy surrounding loot boxes in games like Star Wars Battlefront 2 and Overwatch will be one of the first issues that the organization tackles.
The formation of the NCGP will be welcomed by many game developers, publishers, and players of these games too. Some players have been unconvinced that anything will be done about microtransactions and loot boxes, as games industry bodies like the ESA have stated that loot boxes aren't gambling.
Meanwhile, the companies behind these games argue that possible actions taken against them will be too severe. For example, the Netherlands suggested that games with loot boxes could be removed from sale until it is able to pass new legislation on the issue.
But with the NCGP, game creators and the people who play their games can work together to find the middle ground. Companies employing the most egregious and exploitative business models (according to players) can be taken to task and players can get what they want without sending death threats. Right now it sounds like a win for both sides but only time will tell.
Source: NCGP