Två år har gått sedan den amerikanska PEGI-motsvarigheten ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) började specificera om spel innehåller så kallade "In-Game Purchases", alltså varningar för att du kan köpa saker i spelet. Det enda problemet var att det här drabbade så många spel och jämställde väldigt schyssta expansioner med loot-lådor.
Nu har ESRB därför tänkt om och säger att de att de kommer implementera en ny specifikation i sin bedömning som helt enkelt kallas "In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)". Därefter kommer de att börja specificera om de saker man kan köpa är fasta eller slumpmässiga. De skriver:
"This new Interactive Element, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), will be assigned to any game that contains in-game offers to purchase digital goods or premiums with real world currency (or with virtual coins or other forms of in-game currency that can be purchased with real world currency) for which the player doesn't know prior to purchase the specific digital goods or premiums they will be receiving (e.g., loot boxes, item packs, mystery awards).
In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items) will be assigned to all games that include purchases with any randomized elements, including loot boxes, gacha games, item or card packs, prize wheels, treasure chests, and more. Games that have the In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items) notice may also include other non-randomized paid elements.
The original In-Game Purchases notice will still be assigned to games that offer any other type of purchase, including additional levels, cosmetic items, DLC, expansions, etc. However, going forward it will not be assigned to games with "loot boxes" or similar mechanics to ensure consumers clearly understand when the game offers purchases with randomized elements."
Här på redaktionen tycker vi att detta borde införts för länge sedan och hoppas alla andra åldersmärkningar tar efter, eller vad säger ni?
