The problem of loot boxes is not new to most European countries, and many of them are trying their best to fight it. In early summer, the Norwegian Consumer Council conducted a study showing that most Norwegians have a negative attitude toward in-game purchases and consider loot boxes to be exploitative.
Experts compare loot boxes to gambling. Let's say you read the review https://twinspinca.com/promocode-v-vavada-casino-twin-1/ and decide to get a promo code for a free game at Vavada Casino. After the free game, your brain will want more entertainment, but this time it will be paid. Lootboxes also work.
Moreover, the survey also affected residents of other European countries, with the same results.
The most striking examples of negative use of the loot boxes in the games were named FIFA 2022 and Raid: Shadow Legends - these games provide a huge advantage to those who donate money and buy loot boxes.
As a result of the study, it became clear that the main problems of the loot boxes are:
- The use of in-game currency, allowing you to forget about the real cost of purchases;
- Restricting the availability of an item to encourage the purchase of it with real money;
- Providing examples where buying loot boxes led to a positive outcome;
- Convincing users to keep buying loot boxes so that past purchases aren't wasted;
- Vivid animation and music when the box is opened, triggering a dopamine release.
The Norwegian Consumer Council not only conducted a study, but also made several suggestions for game developers, among them:
- No loot boxes in games rated under 18;
- A ban on deceptive design and bright, colorful flashes when unlocked;
- Specifying the real value of the loot box in U.S. dollars or euros;
- Allow countries to directly ban loot boxes on their territories.
Gambling companies, for their part are in no hurry to introduce innovations because the sale of loot boxes is one of the main items of income. This is the main problem for which they are criticized.