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New Bill aims to ban Loot Boxes in Games for Minors under 21

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Bridger, Wed 27 Dec, 2017 11:58 AM
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    • longshotnorth
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    #1
    https://linustechtips.com/main/topic...nors-under-21/

    The State of Hawaii, Connecticut, North Carolina, Minnesota, Georgia, Washington, and potentially other US States are considering passing new Bills to ban Loot Boxes in Games for Minors under 21.

    In Hawaii, this has been primarily lead by Chris Lee, a state legislator in the State of Hawaii which has reached out to some other US state legislators.

    Opinion: Awesome! Now we just need more states and countries passing bills to ban video games sales for minors and those who may be vulnerable to the addictive nature of gambling.





    Bridger
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    #2
    YongYea is an awesome channel!

    I'm not convinced STO Lockboxes are the same as what's been happening with EA and Bungie though. Similar, yet different?

    Regardless, it's been very interesting to watch unfold.
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    #3
    I have no idea how the Lockbox in BFII works but, this is very much directed to how STO's Lockboxes are working.
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    #4
    YongYea is an awesome channel!

    I'm not convinced STO Lockboxes are the same as what's been happening with EA and Bungie though. Similar, yet different?

    Regardless, it's been very interesting to watch unfold.
    I mean, anything involving 'chance' despite paying for the product is indeed gambling. The lockbox of Star Trek are no different, when you pay for them you don't get an honest choice from ALL what it has to offer.

    At least overwatch some-what does it right, where the lockbox can be earned in-game and opened for no charge - other than paying for them being the only viable option to obtain the contents within it. A niche loop hole but they have the avenue open to obtain items with no payment done.
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    #5
    Honestly, how do you narrow down all the games out there to define what is a game targeting people that are less than 21?

    How many of us play games which could be considered "children's games" as defined by the age or rating?

    Parents often buy stuff for their kids so would that be considered a loop hole?

    Opinion: Concerns over who is buying micro-transactions and loot crates is understandable and warranted considering how often we hear about kids "borrowing" their parents' credit cards. The latest EA drama over Star Wars Battlefront 2 (with it being faster to buy characters and upgrades than earn them within a reasonable amount of time) has a lot to do with it. At the same time I don't know how they will be able to implement the changes.
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    #6
    Idk how they will regulate that. Even today we have age restrictions on games and using money online. Kids just go to their parents lol.
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    #7
    Idk how they will regulate that. Even today we have age restrictions on games and using money online. Kids just go to their parents lol.
    True that lol. Today's kids be like..
    Mans got lockboxes, lotsa lockboxes.
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    #8
    From the research I've paid attention to, there is a very clear difference between STO's method and what EA/Bungie's methods are relative to Lootboxes.

    I'm not suggesting that STO's process is better, per se. But the reason these companies are in the news are because of how the companies strongly tied game content and progress to purchasing LB.

    Watch the videos about Destiny 2's Dawning event ... dear Q that is some terrible business there.
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    #9
    Interesting article concerning lootboxes:

    https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/8/168...crate-analysis
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    #10
    Most of the loot boxes that should be under question are ones you absolutely need to spend real money to open no other way around it. STO is a grey area it does have the whole dilithium exchange as well as other people posting keys for in game credits making you not obligated to spend real money to open the boxes.
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    #11
    Yeah, the problem is when spending money on gambling has a clear gaming advantage, with no other way to get that advantage. STO you can get the prizes without having to spend real money.
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    #12
    Yeah, the problem is when spending money on gambling has a clear gaming advantage, with no other way to get that advantage. STO you can get the prizes without having to spend real money.
    And THAT is the issue the Bill mentioned in OP is trying to address. EA and Bungie really messed up this time.

    Although I see some concern for STO in the future, if the laws pass AND are narrow in focus, then I think STO will not be affected.
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    #13
    I think congress needs to spend more time on important topics then dealing with loot boxes in games.
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