Episode 12 - Regulating the Perils of Loot Boxes in Video Games

House of Wisdom: How Ideas Can Shape the World

English - October 12, 2022 07:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MB - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings
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A recent report carried out by researchers at the Universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton, found that loot boxes in video games, which are consumable virtual items which can be redeemed to receive a randomised selection of further virtual items, 'are structurally and psychologically akin to gambling'. Belgium has led the way with legislation, banning loot boxes in 2018... but how effective has this approach been? We talk to Leon Xiao to discuss the Belgium ban, loot box regulation and whether it is akin to gambling.