Loot boxes and pay-to-win elements of video games have increasingly become a hot topic not only within the gaming community but the world at large. Many countries like Belgium andthe Netherlands have taken legal actionagainst loot boxes or even outright banned them, citing the random chance mechanic’s connection to gambling. Many members of the gaming community have spoken out against the increasingly common practice, with Twitch streamer Asmongold recently pushing the issue towards the United States government.Asmongold has been one of the most outspoken streamers when it comes to the loot box debate, criticizing the inclusion of loot boxes in games. The streamer’s vehement stance against loot boxes has even led him to pass over popular games likeGenshin Impactdue to the inclusion of luck-based microtransactions. During a recent stream, Asmongold confirmed that the popular content creator hadreached out to US senator Ted Cruzto have a discussion about loot boxes and gambling in games. Now, the senator has acknowledged Asmongold’s efforts during a recent episode of Cruz’s podcast.RELATED:Twitch Streamer Asmongold Says Loot Boxes Should Be IllegalDuring an episode of Cruz and co-host Michael Knowles' “Verdict” podcast, Cruz and Knowles discuss loot boxes in video games, specifically mentioning Asmongold’s recent contact. Cruz addressesAsmongold’s concerns over loot boxesand their connection with gambling, confirming he would be “happy to engage in a conversation with Asmongold.” Cruz went on to express his own personal distaste for microtransactions geared towards giving players inherent advantages, especially when regarding younger players.
While Cruz was uncertain about the potential of the case with the federal government, the controversial subject has already seen legal action from several nations worldwide. Alongside the previously-mentioned Belgium and Netherlands, Germany was considering a new law last year that wouldwarn players about games containing loot boxes. Brazil also reportedly was toying with the idea of a loot box ban and the UK government has been openly opposed to gambling in video games.
As loot boxes and gacha mechanics become more common in major high-profile games, some games have become particularly noteworthy for their lack of gambling mechanics. Blizzard recently confirmed thatOverwatch 2would not feature loot boxesas the sequel shooter moves to a free-to-play model.Halo Infinitealso notably did not include loot boxes with developer 343 Industries shifting to a “battle pass” system, following the popularity of games likeFortnite. While some companies have looked to distance themselves from loot boxes, the random-chance mechanics remain a controversial topic that doesn’t seem to be going away.
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