There has been much controversy as of late, regarding Electronic Art Inc’s (EA) latest release, Star Wars Battlefront II, and whether or not it constitutes as a form of gambling. The speculation surrounding the game, brought about by the Belgian Gaming Commission, stems from its Loot Crates, which are said to be influential on a player’s ability to prosper. As a result, the gambling authority has launched a full investigation into the game, along with Blizzard’s Overwatch, to come to a final conclusion.
“If there is a game of chance, it is not possible [to sell the game] without a permit from the gaming commission,” commented Peter Naessens, Director of the Commission. In the event the investigation proves the games are, indeed, a form of gambling, EA may be forced to pay fines amounting to thousands in Euros, or have the titles banned from sale in Belgium!
The emphasis appears to be less on Overwatch and more so on Battlefront, as the loot boxes are purely cosmetic, except for in the latter, for which they are believed to serve a pay-to-win purpose.
In response to the allegations, the game developer released the following statement: “Creating a fair and fun game experience is of critical importance to EA. The crate mechanics of Star Wars Battlefront II are not gambling. A player’s ability to succeed in the game is not dependent on purchasing crates. Players can also earn crates through playing the game and not spending any money at all. Once obtained, players are always guaranteed to receive content that can be used in game.”
Some were displeased with the above comment, arguing that the explanation contributes little to the matter at hand, which concerns whether the crates represent a form of gambling. A player’s ability to progress successfully through the game without crates does not explain or disprove a potential connection to gambling.
Let’s back up a little bit. For those of you who may be playing catchup on this gaming investigation, you may be wondering what crates in a video game have to do with gambling. Those in favor of the gambling concept argue that the loot box systems (primarily in Battlefront) affect players’ brains in the same way a slot machine does. The ambiguity of the outcome at hand when opening a loot box is said to be like that of opening one of these boxes. The feeling is exciting, and potentially addicting, much like gambling. Some argue that the only solution is to make the loot boxes purely cosmetic, as they are used in Overwatch.
The verdict is in, or so we thought... It was reported on November 21st that the investigation led to a ruling that the Star Wars title is, indeed, a form of gambling, with Belgium’s Minister of Justice, Koen Geens, commenting, “Mixing gambling and gaming, especially at a young age, is dangerous for the mental health of a child.” He also announced a plan to ban in-game purchases for those who are not clear on what they are purchasing.
However, a mere hours later, a Belgian news site (RTBF), announced the Belgium Gaming Commission has not actually come to a final conclusion. The above statement was clarified as referring the intent of the investigation, rather than its decision.
Needless to say, the wait continues…
Sources:
“Belgium's loot box investigation continues (Updated)”, Chalk Andy, pcgamer.com, November 22, 2017.
“Belgium says loot boxes are gambling, wants them banned in Europe”, Chalk Andy, November 21, 2017.
“Why EA Is Wrong To Say That 'Star Wars Battlefront II' Loot Crates Aren't Gambling”, Kain Erik, forbes.com, November 16, 2017.
“The Belgian Gaming Commission is investigating Star Wars: Battlefront II's Loot Crates as to whether they qualify as gambling”, Miller Daniel R., gamezone.com, November 15, 2017.