UK government initiates two-month loot box consultation
New call for evidence to target player experiences of in-game purchases ahead of gambling act review
The UK government has launched a consultation to gain evidence on in-game loot box purchases and whether they drive gambling-like behaviour among underage individuals.
The consultation, which is being overseen by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), seeks to understand the “positive and negative experiences” of loot box use in video games.
It aims to draw on the experiences of players, parents and guardians, as well as obtain data and research from video games companies, academic groups and organisations working within the sector.
The government wants to generate a “clearer understanding” of the loot box market in the UK, including how it operates and the potential impact of increased controls and regulations.
“The government stands ready to take action should the outcomes of the call for evidence support taking a new approach to ensure users, and particularly young people, are better protected,” the government said.
Loot boxes are expected to be targeted by MPs in the long-awaited review of the UK’s 2005 Gambling Act, which is expected to take place later this year.
Earlier this week, reports claimed Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his advisors were looking to take a personal interest in the forthcoming review, despite navigating the twin challenges of Brexit and Covid-19.
“Our valued video game industry is making good progress developing safer environments for our children to play in, such as parental controls that can be set to schedule and limit playtime,” Minister for Digital and Culture Caroline Dinenage said.
“But we’ve listened to parents’ concerns about loot boxes and it’s right that we fully examine and understand any evidence of the harm or links to problem gambling they can cause, so we can decide if action is needed,” she added.
The UK video games industry contributed £2.6bn to the economy in 2018, employing more than 27,000 people. It has grown more than 16 times faster than the wider UK economy since 2010.
Further research into video games and player behaviour is already underway, with DCMS working on a research framework programme following publication of the Select Committee report on Immersive and Addictive Technologies.
The call for evidence will be open until 22 November.