Apple now requires games with loot boxes to disclose odds
https://theverge.com/2017/12/21/16805674/apple-loot-box-app-store-games-odds-probability-disclosure When is this happening in game? @CG_Carrie
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so you're saying they are still non-compliant
In Section 3.1.1 of the App Store Review Guidelines, Apple states the following: "Apps offering 'loot boxes' or other mechanisms that provide randomised virtual items for purchase must disclose the odds of receiving each type of item to customers prior to purchase."
This change brings the App Store more in-line with laws in some Asian countries where loot boxes, known as gacha mechanics, must be presented with transparent odds.
I'm saying you said "now" implying this is news, which it is not. And there were other threads about this...back in December.
Where cash is used to buy a "loot box", a set amount of shards, gear etc is listed that will be obtained, i.e. there is no risk of getting a bad drop or a good drop, the outcome is the same every time.
Where crystals are used, a random range of shards tend to be the prize.
Because you do not have to pay for crystals and can earn them for essentially free, it's not considered gambling and the odds do not need to be disclosed.
It's of course a grey area but I doubt a relatively large company and game such as this one, would deliberately want to be in the wrong here.
There are no random packs. Every pack details out what is in them even if it says 5-330 and you get 5 shards of 1 random character out of however many options. Even though the odds are weighted to the lower end of the scale it still falls within range.
It's not like there is a mystery box where you have no idea what you get.
It'll bite them and companies like them in the rear eventually. They know it. They're just striking while the iron is hot and making what they can.
That's better..
They are no undisclosed. Ther is an article outlining which companies.
There are also details about the law and there are "loop holes" that are there in the details that dont make this a simple "loot boxes are illegal". It's the same tactic Apple took. By not specifically stating all aspects of the purchase they leave the door open for many games to operate as they are right now without an issues.
In game guild: TNR Uprising
I beat the REAL T7 Yoda (not the nerfed one) and did so before mods were there to help
*This space left intentionally blank*
But that's kinda the point, most of these laws are not going to effect the majority of games that run this model because they are either unaffected or only need to make simple changes to no fall under that umbrella.
It's a start though. I am surprised Government oversight has taken so long to happen. A 40 billion dollar industry has finally drawn attention. The next big thing seems to be FIFA's players selling team players for real cash, and allowed or not, it has been rendered an asset(in Belgium). And could be taxable. Kinda makes ya wonder where that would end up. "Honey, did you finish itemizing our last raid loot, I'm doing our taxes.,,"
Re: https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-04-25-now-belgium-declares-loot-boxes-gambling-and-therefore-illegal
Very true, but again this "new focus" is on the purchase with real money and that is also where the laws focus, this leaves the industry wide open to follow the path they are on without too much issue. The companies that are being caught by this tried to push the envelope and are being reeled in but by no means are being stopped.
"A fool and his money..."
and also
"Who is more foolish? The fool or the fool who follows him?"
In game guild: TNR Uprising
I beat the REAL T7 Yoda (not the nerfed one) and did so before mods were there to help
*This space left intentionally blank*
Having said all that, do we really need the odds listed for us? We all know it’s close to 100% that you’ll get 5 or 7 shards. That’s what you should expect. If you get more it’s a bonus but don’t expect it.
Same as sitting down at a casino and buying chips, still gambling. GW2 plays the semantics game. They call one level of loot drop "Exotic" and in fact the container has an exotic class bag with low end loot (non exotic) but the container did contain "Exotic" items. Now, enter the GDPR. They are requiring in simple terms, non legalese spin, to explain EXACTLY what you could receive. and then of course games will play fast and loose until a company gets fined and goes under. Then, and only then will this all matter. European courts are far more harsh and far less forgiving. Initial fines can be in the millions. And companies will have to comply somehow or maintain game releases based on country, which would be a royal nightmare, so they will have to concede and do as requested. Eventually, after all legal tricky and delay of game tactics have failed.
Every single pack already does exactly what you say already. Can you find a pack that doesn't?
Example: The Rebel faction pack.
Pack states you will receive between 10-330 shards of 1 character and shows a list of all characters that you could possibly get.
It not like you could buy that pack and get mob enforcer shards
And I've just started my first ever class action lawsuit!
That’s not what the law says. It says you have to state what your odds are of getting 10, 20, 145, 330, etc. Again though the crystal loophole means it doesn’t apply.