Loot boxes in video games are consumable items or purchases that are virtual. One can redeem these and receive a random selection of further items, commonly referred to as loot. Hence the term loot boxes. These became popular in the video game industry initially as ultimate team packs that included items for a player’s character or avatar. These could be armor, weapons, and other equipment.
Based on this concept FIFA 2020 monetization tactics included loot boxes as well, a concept that was introduced in September 2019. However, this is akin to much controversy since it is being introduced as a form of gambling. Some gambling commission authorities are against while in certain countries it is made legal. Here we take a look at what these are all about and which countries can implement loot boxes.
What are FIFA Loot Boxes?
These were introduced as ultimate team packs, similar to video game loot. These allow fans to spend cash for players in packs and get added to the ultimate team for a player. These are then pitted against others in the simulated online matches for FIFA 2020.
It is possible to gamble on such virtual items as well which has led to considerable controversy. Hence, one could find mention of gambling options available on loot boxes, one of the latest crazes among sports betting fans. One could easily find reviews on such items at LeafletCasino. Here one can gain useful information about legitimate sites for gambling for Canadian citizens. One can find direct links to $10 deposit casino sites where such a minimal amount can help a player get an attractive welcome bonus offer.
There are several reputed casinos where one can make a C$10 deposit and gain matching bonus offers. The top website in this category is Jackpot City where top payouts and jackpots are won every day. One can also wager real money with such a deposit amount at All Slots and gain several options. Other portals that have such offers include Casinoland, PlayAmo, Spin Palace, and others.
However, using such money on different casino games like slots and table games or poker is less complicated than opting to wager on the latest FIFA item. That is mainly because there are several questions that arise such as how safe are they and which casino sites offer legitimate wagering on them. These items also have certain features that one needs to be familiar with.
Key Features of Loot Boxes
The concept is a fairly new one, gaining popularity in the video game industry, specifically among MMORPGs. Here, players or team members gained such boxes including items like points, weapons, coins, skins and these became popular in several Asian sites. In general, they come with three features that are keys to such items,
- They are consumable; that is, once they are used they are gone.
- They are random. For instance, they contain features or items randomly assigned.
- They are earned through paying with money as well as mark progress within a game.
They are similar to prizes when they are giveaways. On the other hand, they could be purchased when they offer rare collectibles of a game. This particular concept was then introduced for FIFA.
Are They Illegal?
The short answer is that they are illegal in some countries. Here are some instances where one can find FIFA team packs in a legal manner,
- US
Here there are no laws that ban loot boxes from being traded or wagered. No state or federal gambling laws have yet been implemented.
- Germany
Wagering on favourite team boxes is being done on several forums here but regulatory bodies are looking into it currently.
- UK
In this country the use of such items in video games is legal. The gaming and gambling industry here are closely aligned. There is no legislation that rules them out.
EA introduced them to Star Wars Battlefront for the year 2017. After they established what they were targeting or whom they aimed these boxes at, such as minors and young children, the Belgian government’s gambling laws have sought to make them illegal. Electronic Arts or EA is the FIFA publisher that continues to implement loot boxes under their title as per BBC news sources.
However, they relented and removed the boxes late in January 2019. The stance that the Belgian government took was one of the first dominoes to fall after which more governments took up the stance since they were concerned as to how these goodies were being linked to being a form of gambling.
Controversies
Even though loot boxes are legal in certain countries, their use for FIFA is still deemed controversial. That is because many feel that the fans are paying them for their teams to win rather than the principle of play to win. Players are purchasing megastars for real money which gives them a distinct advantage that they gain over the others. Ideally, fans should earn prizes as they see their team’s progress in the games.
Hence, the concept is not something that is appealing, even if it is legal or not. Hence, the push for such items should be made for the esports mode rather than for the real teams. That would help keep the spirit of the real sport in the true sense and not allow fan purchases to interfere with a team’s position or rank.
Conclusion
The idea to implement loot boxes was to increase fan frenzy and excitement among youngsters for the forthcoming FIFA matches. However, their wagering possibilities and the team purchase options make them go against the principles of the fair game.
It also introduces youngsters to gambling which is frowned upon. Hence, this marketing campaign agenda of EA has fallen flat even after the glamor and glitz that was showcased in the purchase of such items. However, the concept could be re-introduced in eSports games to add on more team spirit and fan following. It has definitely brought on loot boxes as a concept in the limelight.
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