Video game ratings target loot boxes with new warnings

The change also covers random item packs and mystery rewards.
By Amanda Yeo  on 
Video game ratings target loot boxes with new warnings
Overwatch is just one of many games that offer randomised loot boxes for purchase. Credit: Overwatch

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) announced today that it will now label physical video games which sell randomised items in-game for real money. New notice "In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)" will be affixed to games that offer loot boxes or similar items, warning players and parents alike.

In a blog post, the ESRB wrote that the new label "will be assigned to any game that contains in-game offers to purchase digital goods or premiums with real world currency (or with virtual coins or other forms of in-game currency that can be purchased with real world currency) for which the player doesn’t know prior to purchase the specific digital goods or premiums they will be receiving (e.g., loot boxes, item packs, mystery awards)."

Such randomised content can be found in many hugely popular games, including Overwatch, Apex Legends, and Hearthstone. All three of these games have been rated by the ESRB.

Loot boxes have been a hot topic in the gaming community in recent years, with many drawing similarities to gambling. This has been particularly concerning in light of video games' popularity with young, vulnerable people, and the lack of safeguards for those prone to addiction.

"Many loot boxes utilise a number of psychological mechanisms commonly seen in other forms of gambling, including variable ratio reinforcement schedules, entrapment, and ready and constant availability," said Australian senator Jordon Steele-John in 2018.

The ESRB introduced an "In-Game Purchases" label that same year, marking "all games that offer the ability to purchase digital goods or premiums with real world currency." Which, in the current gaming climate, is a hefty chunk of them. However this label did little to address the problem, as it failed to differentiate between randomised loot boxes and games that require a subscription, for example.

The new "In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)" notice will make the issue a little clearer, though it's ultimately still up to parents to monitor their kids online.

Topics Gaming

Amanda Yeo
Amanda Yeo
Reporter

Amanda Yeo is Mashable's Australian reporter, covering entertainment, culture, tech, science, and social good. This includes everything from video games and K-pop to movies and gadgets.


Recommended For You
The world of Roblox accessories is betting big on young, Black creators
A collage of Roblox hair accessories and avatars on a blue, cyberlike background.

Don't feel like cooking? Collect the best DoorDash promo codes of the week.
Illustration of DoorDash logo on a smartphone.

How to download songs from Spotify
The Spotify logo on a completely black phone screen. A pair of white wired earbuds rests on the phone.

Elon Musk's X tests 'adult content' label for X-rated Communities
X logo

How to take a screenshot on a Mac
An out of focus man holding an in focus Macbook.

More in Entertainment
How to watch Alabama vs. Clemson basketball without cable
Chase Hunter #1 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with his teammate Ian Schieffelin #4 celebrates after defeating the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Crypto.com Arena on March 28, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. The Clemson Tigers won 77-72.

How to watch UConn vs. Illinois basketball without cable
Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts against the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at TD Garden on March 28, 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts.

How to watch 'Lisa Frankenstein' at home: When is it streaming?
Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse in 'Lisa Frankenstein'


How to watch Gonzaga vs. Purdue basketball without cable
Purdue Boilermakers guard Lance Jones (55) starts a fast break during the Purdue Boilermakers versus the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the NCAA Division I Championship on March 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 29
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 29
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 29
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

'The Crow' soundtrack turns 30: Looking back on the album that defined an era
Composite of images of Brandon Lee, Rob Zombie, Trent Reznor, and Robert Smith of The Cure.

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!