The debate and controversy surrounding loot boxes appears to still be ongoing. Over in Belgium, authorities have considered loot boxes to be a form of gambling, and in the US the state of Hawaii has launched investigations into the feature. Now it seems that Australia could also be considering launching investigations as well.In a motion filed by Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John, the Australian senate will soon be taking a vote on whether or not loot boxes should be considered a form of gambling. According to Senator Steele-John, “I have significant concerns about the adequacy of current consumer protection and regulatory frameworks for monetised game mechanics, particularly when we know they are accessible to children.”
“An incredible number of popular big name titles incorporate these kinds of monetised game mechanics, not as a way of improving in-game experience, but as a way of simply prying more money off of their players.” He also adds that the effects on gambling on the lives of people is paramount where they cannot afford to stay silent on the matter.
Unsurprisingly not everyone feels the same about loot boxes as there are others in the gaming industry that disagree. The Interactive Games Entertainment Association has told Kotaku that they don’t believe it constitutes as gambling, and that they will be preparing a submission of their own to defend the mechanic.
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