Video game loot boxes are coming under increased scrutiny in Germany, much as they have been for a while in other European countries, iGaming Business reported September 28.
They were a topic of discussion at the Federal Congress on Gaming and Gambling in Germany October 4-5.
Loot boxes in video games are a consumable virtual item that can be redeemed to get further virtual items called “loot.”
Robert Hess of Gluecksspielwesen.de, a publication that caters to German public servants, wrote about the state of play regarding regulating loot boxes, and how it is connected to what other EU members are dealing with the issue.
In Spain, for instance, the government is considering age restrictions on loot boxes. Austria recently moved to increase age ratings for games that feature loot boxes or any other type of simulated gambling.
Germany’s Bundestag has begun discussing the issue, with MPs from various parties staking out their positions.
MP Lena Werner is urging that responsible gaming protocols be imposed on video games. “Gaming should be a leisure activity that is enjoyable and not gambling through the back door,” she declared, per iGB. “Especially with an eye to children and young people, it is our responsibility to establish safeguards to protect them from possible negative effects.”
Another Bundestag MP Linda Heitmann has submitted a bill to regulate loot boxes, which she says has a bad effect on young children.
She declared, “I see a need for tighter laws and regulations here. Educational campaigns are needed, but above all the providers of games and apps must be held accountable by offering information and prevention, as well as by providing technical solutions such as automatic slowdowns when games last too long by rewarding breaks and even banning loot boxes.”
She also emphasizes the need for more research on gambling addiction and how it relates to loot boxes. She wants the Federal Agency for the Protection of Children and Young People in the Media to become involved. It enforces age ratings and provides information on age verification systems and avenues of filing complaints.
Some say regulatory proposals should be developed hand-in-hand with the industry itself. And that proposed regulations are based on actual research.
