Loot Boxes have become a controversial thing within the games industry, and continue to do so as more games include it within their games. With many considering loot boxes to be a form of gambling, it was a matter of time before this would reach the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). The organization have now stepped forward and said they do not consider it to be a form of gambling.
A spokesman said to Kotaku…
“ESRB does not consider loot boxes to be gambling. While there’s an element of chance in these mechanics, the player is always guaranteed to receive in-game content (even if the player unfortunately receives something they don’t want). We think of it as a similar principle to collectible card games: Sometimes you’ll open a pack and get a brand new holographic card you’ve had your eye on for a while. But other times you’ll end up with a pack of cards you already have.”
The organization’s describe gambling as the following..
“Player can gamble, including betting or wagering real cash or currency”
