Upcoming games will soon feature a label on the back of their boxes, thanks to a new measure that the ESRB has introduced. It's an "interactive element", or put simply, a note under the familiar E, E10+, T, and M label ratings that show whether or not a game has loot boxes that can be purchased with real-world money. This umbrella term of "in-game purchases (includes random items)" covers games with loot boxes that have randomized content drops, gacha games, video games that offer randomized card packs, and other similar elements. This is the second time the ESRB has added a label to game boxes to help better inform consumers, with the first instance being in 2018 where the original "in-game purchases" warning was added, for games that have any extras such as DLC for purchase.

Why Not Say “Loot Boxes”?
“Loot box” is a term that doesn’t encompass all types of randomized in-game purchase mechanics. We want to ensure that the new label covers all transactions with randomized elements. In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items) accounts for loot boxes and all similar mechanics that offer random items in exchange for real-world currency or in-game currency that can be purchased with real money.

Moreover, we want to avoid confusing consumers who may not be familiar with what a loot box is. Recent research shows that less than a third of parents have both heard of a loot box and know what it is. “Loot box” is a widely understood phrase in and around the video game industry and among dedicated gamers, but most people less familiar with games do not understand it. While this new label is primarily in response to feedback from game enthusiasts, it is still essential that all consumers, especially parents, have a clear understanding of the rating information we provide.

Source

 

[Seliph]

I would have thought it would have been labeled as gambling or something

 

[Stealphie]

good

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

Took them long enough to do this. Least they didn't just say "realistic gambling"

 

[RedoLane]

Should've added a +L thingy instead.

 

[DJPlace]

what a shocker....

 

[froid_san]

It should be covering 50% of the front cover and a warning that it may cause addiction.

 

[Deleted User]

Gambit approves.

 

[kumikochan]

Shouldn't even be teen because that way everybody of the age of 13 is mature enough to start using credit cards. This is just stupid and once more in favor of big scamming companies. It's quite clear they can't regulate themselves by deciding you're okay to use credit cards etc for lootboxes ar the age of 13.

 

[banjo2]

So it won't be on A-rated games? or

 

[ninjistix]

why pay for a game that makes money off you, it should just be fee...

 

[UltraSUPRA]

Preparing for EA to sue the ESRB...

 

[limpbiz411]

The should have labeled it "In Game Wallet Trap"

 

[The Catboy]

I really hope people start noticing and start demanding a stop to lootboxes

 

[Agusto101]

Very nice hahaha

 

[DJPlace]

kids are smart these days my 2nd cousin took his mom's CC and order a controller online some how....

 

[warweeny]

Nobody watches those labels, not sure why they even put in the effort.

 

[DANTENDO]

Nobody watches those labels, not sure why they even put in the effort.

Parents and game staff do

 

[ShadowOne333]

...just a label under the game's rating?!
What the actual FUCK?!

Since when is gambling allowed for anything 17 and under?
Automatically, EVERY game that has this kind of shit should be labelled under either M (for Mature 17+) or straight out A (for Adults 18+) rating.

I find it completely fucking stupid that they will just add a stupid label, even for games rated E and E+, even T.
That's completely idiotic.

 

[warweeny]

Parents and game staff do

yes, that is why there are 9-year olds playing gta 5 and call of duty, because parents look at it.

oh wait.