ESRB will start labeling games with loot boxes separately

In the USA and Canada, a separate labeling was introduced for games with loot boxes. Prior to that, all games with IAP, including those containing loot boxes, were labeled the same: “Contains in-game purchases”.

Yesterday, the non-governmental Entertainment Software Rating Commission (ESRB) introduced a new label: “Contains in-game purchases (including random items).” It will be assigned to games where you can spend real money without knowing the exact contents of the purchase, writes Gamesindustry.biz .

First of all, this applies to loot boxes. However, the label is also suitable for games with sets of random cards, prize wheels and other similar mechanics.

As the ESRB clarified, many users asked for such labeling — “not only the parents of gamers.”

The Commission also noted that both of the above markings appeared due to criticism of loot boxes in many countries. By this time, a number of publishers either got rid of the boxes with random loot, or made them more transparent. For example, recently paid loot boxes disappeared from Destiny 2.

Also on the topic:

• Over the past year, 18% of games have received the label “Contains in-game purchases” from the rating commissionLoot boxes will disappear from Rocket League
• EA Vice President called the loot boxes “fun kinder surprises”
• Is there any news?

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