United States
United Kingdom
Summary:
- The guidance was designed by the Technical Working Group which is comprised of representatives from the video games industry
- It contains 11 principles to be implemented by the industry to improve protections concerning loot boxes
- The loot box feature has attracted controversy for its gambling-like characteristics
The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has issued an update on improvements to industry-led protections regarding the controversial loot box feature in video games.
The new guidance contains key industry principles designed to accomplish the major objectives set out in the government’s response to the call for evidence on loot boxes in video games which was published in July 2022.
New Guidance Focuses on Loot Box Restrictions for Under-18s
The new guidance was developed by Ukie, the trade body for the UK games and interactive entertainment industry. It includes 11 industry principles designed by the Technical Working Group (TWG) which was convened by the DCMS and has been tasked to improve protections for children and adults concerning loot boxes. The TWG’s membership includes representatives from the video games industry.
The new guidance comes as a result of a series of engagements and consultations with players, guardians, government agencies, regulators, academics, independent bodies, and external groups.
Among the industry principles outlined in the guidance is the introduction of technological controls that would effectively prevent users under the age of 18 from acquiring loot boxes without the permission of a parent or guardian as loot boxes have been linked to gambling.
The industry aims to drive awareness of and uptake of these technological controls with players and parents via regular communications, including a targeted public information campaign which will be launched in July. The industry will form an expert panel to explore ways to improve age verification systems.
Video games developers are also urged to be transparent to players as to the presence of loot boxes before they purchase a game so they can make informed decisions. Furthermore, they must ensure that clear and simple information is easily accessible regarding the probabilities involved in purchasing a loot box.
Another industry principle laid out in the new guidance is adopting lenient refund policies for loot box purchases done without parental consent or knowledge.
TWG to Assess Effectiveness of New Measures
Members of the TWG have also committed to promoting responsible gaming and effective spending management to all players regarding paid loot boxes. They have pledged support for the implementation of the Video Games Research Framework which was developed by the DCMS and published in May this year.
The TWG will work with the UK government and other relevant stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the principles. The DCMS will issue more updates as the measures are implemented.
