Part 7/10:
The Role of Governments and Consumers
Many experts believe that governments should not be the ones to regulate or ban loot boxes but instead advocate for consumer awareness and responsibility. Critics argue that it’s ultimately up to players and guardians to set boundaries and refuse to engage with gambling-like mechanics. However, the rise in regulatory actions—like those in the Netherlands and potential future regulations in the US—raise questions about the industry’s future.
Specifically, some European regulators have expressed concern that gaming mechanics targeting young, impressionable players could lead to compulsive gambling behaviors. As such, the industry faces pressure to develop fairer, less addictive monetization strategies that do not rely on chance-based purchases.