The issue of loot boxes has once again occupied the courts, which have now ruled in favor of the players. In Austria, the courts concluded that loot boxes constitute gambling and that Sony, as the seller of these boxes, must now pay compensation.
The plaintiff was FIFAA player in Austria, who had invested several hundred euros in FUT packs and was apparently dissatisfied with the results, was sued. The court sided with the player, ultimately arguing that loot boxes are deliberately advertised in a way that intentionally triggers mostly young players to make impulsive purchases, and that loot boxes require a license under Austrian gambling laws. Neither EA nor Sony, as the direct distributor via the PlayStation Store, possessed such a license, which is why the purchase contracts were declared invalid.
Far-reaching consequences for the industry?
Although the verdict is not yet legally binding, and Sony will likely appeal, far-reaching consequences are already expected regarding the issue of loot boxes in video games.
One commentator describes it as a bombshell for the entire industry:
"The ruling is a bombshell for the entire video game industry. Neither Austria nor Germany had previously established case law on the legality of loot boxes and the recoverability of payments made. The final outcome remains to be seen, as the case will likely go through the appeals process, but Sony and numerous other gaming companies should be prepared for serious legal action. says Richard Eibl, Managing Director of the litigation funder Padronus.
Games economy
This isn't the first time loot boxes have been so badly criticized. In other countries, EA responded with the most drastic change, removing the entire Ultimate Team mode from FIFA.
I also think this loot box system is utterly ridiculous, but anyone who throws hundreds of euros into loot boxes has much bigger problems and should reconsider their behavior…
Do FIFA packs come with a warranty?
In Genshin Impact, you have a 100% chance of getting the character from the banners after 180 draws (or rather, before that, after 90 draws you have a 50/50 chance).
It would be interesting to know if Genshin will also be affected.