When lootboxes were declared as gambling in Belgium after a court ruling, most major developers disabled the ability to buy them in games like Overwatch and CS:GO for that region. EA, however, did not change anything for FIFA 18, which notably has lootboxes. This hasn't gone unnoticed by Belgium government officials, as it appears that they've sent a warrant to EA to force them to comply, and are in the process of getting prosecutors to carry out an official investigation against the giant gaming company. Belgium's Gaming Commission wishes to pursue a legal case, if EA refuses to back down, which is a potential outcome, as EA believes that lootboxes are not a form of gambling. FIFA 19 is set to release later this month, as well, and it will have a form of paying for lootboxes.

Source

 

[Lumince]

Glad im not giving EA any of my money

 

[Deleted User]

I might just be extremely jaded, but I can't see this really doing a whole lot.

 

[Lumince]

I might just be extremely jaded, but I can't see this really doing a whole lot.

better yet, lets just hope it does alot!

 

[Chary]

At this point, after the whole Battlefront II thing, you almost have to wonder if EA likes getting into controversies.

 

[Subtle Demise]

All these game companies have to do is make a really quality game and adjust the price for inflation. No more of this Day 1 DLC shit, and no more microtransactions un full-priced games! All of this could have been avoided.

 

[KingVamp]

2K and EA, these guys just won't give up.

 

[Subtle Demise]

At this point, after the whole Battlefront II thing, you almost have to wonder if EA likes getting into controversies.

It is a valid marketing strategy. Works well for Rockstar Games.

 

[FAST6191]

I am betting on Windows 95-98 era Microsoft with internet exploder strategy -- "we will fine you 300000 a day" *checks balance sheet* "OK we can live with that".

 

[Bladexdsl]

good loot boxes are cancer to the industry

 

[pustal]

Glad im not giving EA any of my money

Problem is that most of the people who complained actually did. The gaming community is not good at boycotting.

 

[KingVamp]

All these game companies have to do is make a really quality game and adjust the price for inflation. No more of this Day 1 DLC shit, and no more microtransactions un full-priced games! All of this could have been avoided.

As if they would stop with DLC and microtransactions, if they had the chance to raise the game prices.

 

[Kioku]

At this point, after the whole Battlefront II thing, you almost have to wonder if EA likes getting into controversies.

Can honestly say I'm never buying another EA title. As long as they're this set in their ways. They don't deserve the money they get. It's harsh to say but they've no regard to the consumers, just their own wallets. Hell, judging from what I've read? They don't treat their employees much better.

 

[kumikochan]

All these game companies have to do is make a really quality game and adjust the price for inflation. No more of this Day 1 DLC shit, and no more microtransactions un full-priced games! All of this could have been avoided.

Why would they need to increase the prices. Hellblade senua's sacrifice only asked 30 euro and even told in an interview afterwards that they made a ton of money by just only asking 30 euro

 

[MeAndHax]

EA being EA again

 

[Dubbicakes]

For some reason all I can picture is Andrew Wilson all Mr. Burnsing like, "Excellent". Just me?

 

[Hells Malice]

Should really just stop selling games in Belgium. Ain't worth the hassle. Their government is far too heavy handed about issues they know nothing about.

 

[osaka35]

I am betting on Windows 95-98 era Microsoft with internet exploder strategy -- "we will fine you 300000 a day" *checks balance sheet* "OK we can live with that".

When you're rich (generally), it's no longer a matter of "it's illegal", it's a matter of "can I afford it". A 200$ fine for illegally parking in the wrong spot? nah, that just means that spot cost 200$ to park there.

EA is rich enough they're going to see this as a "eh, it only cost a few million to do this. Makes us more money than that, so worth it".

 

[SkittleDash]

Aiming for something bigger than Worst Company in America.

 

[MiiJack]

Wonder how will the prosecutor indict EA.