Jump to content

OpenCritic now flags Loot Box Mechanics


Pikachu

Recommended Posts

https://opencritic.com/articles/677/opencritic-now-flags-loot-box-mechanics?utm_source=OpenCritic Critics&utm_campaign=2737d40ade-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_02_05_06_23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5f6927cf38-2737d40ade-105219173

 

Quote

Over a year ago, fresh off releases such as Star Wars Battlefront II and Middle-earth: Shadow of War, we promised on Twitter that we would take a stand against loot boxes. While it's taken us a little while to actually implement these changes, we're proud to announce that we've finally introduced this new label.

 

Games that use "loot box" mechanics now have a prominent notification.

 

Why are we doing this?

 

The OpenCritic team believes that loot boxes are a net-negative for the video game industry. Loot boxes prey on human's generally poor ability to accurately understand and internalize probabilities, especially at the extremes. Rather than offer in-game items directly, loot boxes are used to mask the underlying cost of extremely attractive items.

 

Industry leaders have tried to spin loot boxes as "fun" game mechanics, similar to opening presents on Christmas morning and discovering what's inside. These institutions downplay the significance of loot boxes, claiming that they are cosmetic only, or completely optional, or can be earned through the course of normal gameplay. These arguments ignore the perceived value of cosmetics, the progression systems built on them, and the sluggish pacing that effectively locks content.

 

We want to be clear that this isn't a claim that all randomization mechanics are negative. The Gwent system in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was a valuable addition to the game. Watch_Dogs and Red Dead Redemption (2010) both had gambling mini-games that were fun and immersive. Roguelikes thrive on randomization.

 

However, over the last year, much of the industry has failed to address the uncomfortable reality of loot box mechanics: they're gambling. Pay a few dollars for a chance at something with perceived value.

 

Government bodies, legislators, and researchers have begun researching and understanding the impact of this form of gambling on all types of consumers. While officials conduct their analysis, we encourage developers and publishers who are considering loot box mechanics to consider the impact of these mechanics on players.

 

It's our mission to help gamers make informed decisions when considering a purchase or download. We feel that informing consumers about the presence of loot boxes is a key part of our mission.

 

How does OpenCritic decide what is and isn't a loot box?

 

OpenCritic looks at the following for determining whether a game uses loot boxes:

 

  • Unknown, Random Rewards. Users do not know what item they'll receive prior to purchase. Instead, users are purchasing a chance to receive one item from a set of items.
  • Monetized. Users are able to purchase the roll with real money, either directly or through an intermediary currency.
  • Encouraged Use. Users are encouraged to acquire and consume the loot box during the course of normal gameplay or game systems.


A game is mislabeled! Who do I talk to?

 

We may make mistakes. Email us at factcheck@opencritic.com.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

53 minutes ago, Mercury33 said:

I guess that’s good for parents? Can’t say Ive ever been caught off guard by loot boxes showing up in a game. 

 

Also ill say it again...the outrage over Shadows of War’s loot boxes was one of the single dumbest things I’ve ever experienced. 

 

I haven’t either.  

 

On the other hand, I might actually buy Shadow of War now that they’re removed, whereas I’d probably pass on it before.  I’m much less likely to buy games when they aren’t bloated with super special digital edition launch crap, and loot boxes are like that but worse to me.

 

I’m happy with what action the controversy inspired.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...