(Loot Box's) Number of child gamblers quadruples in just two years....

[Polly3685]

According to what? The dictionary? To countries such as Belgium? Isn't that the entire point of the fucking thing? Deciding weather to treat them as gambling in casinos or not? Also, are you going to know that the kids are purchasing these loot boxes with the guardian permission or not?

Yes, a lot of it is on the parents, but pretending they are "100%" responsible for it is ridiculous.

If loot boxes are gambling then so are claw machines with stuffed animals in them. It's not gambling.

[Myobi]

If loot boxes are gambling then so are claw machines with stuffed animals in them. It's not gambling.

It doesn't answer any of my questions, and at this point I'm starting to understand why the name "Polly".

Also, claw machines don't entirely rely on chance FYI.

[Polly3685]

How many did you raise if you don't mind me asking?

Step parented 1 until his mother and I split. Raising another now who loves Fortnite. Not going to let him blow a bunch of money on loot boxes.

- - - Updated - - -

It doesn't answer any of my questions, and at this point I'm starting to understand why the name "Polly".

Also, claw machines don't entirely rely on chance FYI.

Except in the example that started this thread and the more recent committee that revived it loot-boxes are not gambling. People are not asking for existing regulations to be enforced, they are asking for the regulations to be expanded to include loot boxes, and also for other "addictive and immersive" aspects of video games to be investigated and possibly regulated.

B'bye o/

This was posted just above. Answers the question. Not gambling.

[Goldfingaz]

Except in the example that started this thread and the more recent committee that revived it loot-boxes are not gambling. People are not asking for existing regulations to be enforced, they are asking for the regulations to be expanded to include loot boxes, and also for other "addictive and immersive" aspects of video games to be investigated and possibly regulated.

B'bye o/

Again, you post something incredibly useless and besides the point. The part I put in bold, is because the commission believes it's gambling, and thus needs to be regulated. I'm not saying change how gambling works, I'm saying it is gambling and thus needs to be regulated like all gambling is.

As far as I can tell, the original post had a link to a news site which states:

The commission also raised concerns that close to a million young people had been exposed to gambling through "loot boxes" in video games or on smartphone apps.

These can involve a player paying money for an item that is only revealed after purchasing.

Source

I can't find links that specify that people are asking for regulations to include other addictive and immersive aspects of video games. Unless you're talking about Prince Harry asking for it to be looked into? There's a much easier way to manage play time than there is gambling I'm afraid. The out-of-sight gambling is a giant problem that needs to be resolved.

I will add this:

If they chose to sell cosmetic items, without the randomness and only cosmetic which does not effect your game play at all, then I'm all for it. It's just that the gambling portion is what's wrong. They'd still make money off of straight micro-transactions without exploiting people's gambling addictions or introducing them to gambling.

[Myobi]

Step parented 1 until his mother and I split. Raising another now who loves Fortnite. Not going to let him blow a bunch of money on loot boxes.

Ah, I knew such incredible expectations had to come from experience.

This was posted just above. Answers the question. Not gambling.

… and you are still avoiding the point, well, I guess we are done here then?

[Tech614]

Ah, I knew such incredible expectations had to come from experience.

She probably split when he was treating her child like a prison inmate.

Imagine a guy giving "great parenting advice" in this thread because he's played a step daddy unsuccessfully a handful of times.

[Polly3685]

She probably split when he was treating her child like a prison inmate.

Imagine a guy giving "great parenting advice" in this thread because he's played a step daddy unsuccessfully a handful of times.

Imagine the person who wants what their kids can and can't do to be legislated because they are incompetent and lazy criticizing the person who takes responsibility. Also said I was a step dad once. Reading comprehension up there with parenting skills apparently.

[Myobi]

She probably split when he was treating her child like a prison inmate.

Imagine a guy giving "great parenting advice" in this thread because he's played a step daddy unsuccessfully a handful of times.

Damn dude... nha, I wouldn't go that far, but these expectations are quite unrealistic, even if possible, that would mean they would never really start learning the value of money… I mean, I agree that a lot of the responsibility falls upon the parents, but his argument relies on such extreme view on it that’s just ridiculous, and just repeating “ITS NOT GAMBLING!” while ignoring the entire point every post isn’t helping either.

Imagine the person who wants what their kids can and can't do to be legislated because they are incompetent and lazy criticizing the person who takes responsibility.

Yet again, this already happens, and it has nothing to do with parents being lazy or incompetent, fuck, tunnel vision is a bitch.

[Tech614]

Damn dude... nha, I wouldn't go that far, but these expectations are quite unrealistic, even if possible, that would mean they would never really start learning the value of money… I mean, I agree that a lot of the responsibility falls upon the parents, but his argument relies on such extreme view on it that’s just ridiculous, and just repeating “ITS NOT GAMBLING!” while ignoring the entire point every post isn’t helping either.

Pretty much, you have to give your kids their own spending money and a certain amount of independence. There is literally 0 reason for a parent who has taken proper precautions for their kids to not play games they shouldn't, should just have their kid be allowed to buy loot boxes in all the various games that are rated E and T.

The way he words his post he's either lying, or was that stereotypical controlling step parent everyone hates so I don't have much sympathy for him either way. Being THAT controlling is a good example of actual bad parenting.

- - - Updated - - -

Yet again, this already happens, and it has nothing to do with parents being lazy or incompetent, fuck, tunnel vision is a bitch.

Just let them buy booze, smokes, go in casinos, hang out in weed shops if in a legal state etc... Parent's fault for not following their kids around 24/7 or locking them up like a prisoner right?

The methods we have are currently not good at educating what loot boxes are and how easy they are to obtain and get addicted to. If the industry doesn't regulate itself in this regard then the government is going to step in for obvious reasons. No clue how this guy doesn't get it, unless he's an astro turfing EA investor or just trying to play contrarian for the sake of it.

[Polly3685]

Pretty much, you have to give your kids their own spending money and a certain amount of independence. There is literally 0 reason for a parent who has taken proper precautions for their kids to not play games they shouldn't, should just have their kid be allowed to buy loot boxes in all the various games that are rated E and T.

The way he words his post he's either lying, or was that stereotypical controlling step parent everyone hates so I don't have much sympathy for him either way. Being THAT controlling is a good example of actual bad parenting.

See, you don't have a leg to stand on here. First, you're making sweeping generalizations on something you know absolutely nothing about and on top of that putting words in my mouth.

I never said don't give kids money or let them buy things. I said it's the parent's money and their responsibility to know what they are buying. I never even said don't let kids buy loot boxes at all. You're reading into it what you want. My argument is that it's your responsibility, not anyone else's, to monitor and limit what your kids do.

Again nice reading comprehension.

[Myobi]

Just let them buy booze, smokes, go in casinos, hang out in weed shops if in a legal state etc... Parent's fault for not following their kids around 24/7 or locking them up like a prisoner right?

The methods we have are currently not good at educating what loot boxes are and how easy they are to obtain and get addicted to. If the industry doesn't regulate itself in this regard then the government is going to step in for obvious reasons. No clue how this guy doesn't get it, unless he's an astro turfing EA investor or just trying to play contrarian for the sake of it.

You don't even need to go that far, if I remember correctly @Jtbrig7390 works in a gamestop, ask him what may happen if he sells a +18 rated game to a minor.

Yes, parents should be responsible for the kids, but there are limitations, thus why this sort of fail-safe exist, and the fact that these companies go even as far as trying to re-brand this sort of shit to hide what they are actually selling, doesn't make it any easier... and mean, pegi will warn you if the video game contains gambling simulations, however, it won't warn you if it has a game of chance based on real-cash... just, the fuck?

[Tech614]

You don't even need to go that far, if I remember correctly @Jtbrig7390 works in a gamestop, ask him what may happen if he sells a +18 rated game to a minor.

Hell I worked at gamestop over a decade ago and can tell you exactly what would happen. Best case first and final, more then likely goodbye. Even back then the registers immediately ask you for a date of birth when ringing an M rated sku just like if you ring tobacco or alcohol in a grocery store.

[Onikaroshi]

As my mom once told me when I got my first job, it's her business what I spend my money on until I get out of her house, pay my own bills and feed myself.

Helicopter parent much? When I turned half my life ago and got a job (had to have a license first to get my own ass there) my Mother didn't give a single shit what I spent my money on, I worked for it, it was mine to spend.

Granted I wasn't a druggy or an alchy so she didn't really need to worry, basically just bought video games and systems.

- - - Updated - - -

You don't even need to go that far, if I remember correctly @Jtbrig7390 works in a gamestop, ask him what may happen if he sells a +18 rated game to a minor.

Small nitpick, its 17+ :P always confused the fuck out of me because I could buy an M rated game by myself at 17... but couldn't rent one because Family Video required you to be 18.... lol

[Tech614]

Helicopter parent much? When I turned half my life ago and got a job (had to have a license first to get my own ass there) my Mother didn't give a single shit what I spent my money on, I worked for it, it was mine to spend.

Granted I wasn't a druggy or an alchy so she didn't really need to worry, basically just bought video games and systems.

A kid with a part time job earning $600-800 a month with no bills or responsibilities should be monitored by their parent on what they spend their money on... this ain't rocket science nor is it claiming it's not "their" money. lmao.

[Onikaroshi]

A kid with a part time job earning $600-800 a month with no bills or responsibilities should be monitored by their parent on what they spend their money on... this ain't rocket science nor is it claiming it's not "their" money. lmao.

I mean, to each their own, but as long as they ain't buying hookers and blow who really cares, if they want to waste that 600-800 dollars a month on MTX, so be it.

Man though, is that what kids nowadays make? I was lucky to pull in like 400 a month at 5.50/hr, and that was above minimum wage.

[Polly3685]

A kid with a part time job earning $600-800 a month with no bills or responsibilities should be monitored by their parent on what they spend their money on... this ain't rocket science nor is it claiming it's not "their" money. lmao.

Thinks a kid old enough to work should have their money monitored but thinks parents can't be expected to monitor if their kids are buying loot boxes. And I'm the one who is being contrarian for the sake of it... Fucking priceless.

- - - Updated - - -

I mean, to each their own, but as long as they ain't buying hookers and blow who really cares, if they want to waste that 600-800 dollars a month on MTX, so be it.

Man though, is that what kids nowadays make? I was lucky to pull in like 400 a month at 5.50/hr, and that was above minimum wage.

If it's net income 800 is pushing full time on minimum wage, gross would still be close to 30 hr/wk assuming we're talking about the US.

[Onikaroshi]

If it's net income 800 is pushing full time on minimum wage, gross would still be close to 30 hr/wk assuming we're talking about the US.

I thought so, and with labor laws the way they are, ain't no kid pushing 30h/wk. I was lucky to get 8 during school and 15 in the summer because MI child labor laws SUCKED.

[Bennett]

Sorry for resurfacing this...



So, since lootboxes are now a dirty word, EA is trying to sidestep the issue by simply renaming the system as "surprise mechanics". Also unlike lootboxes, this system is apparently "ethical".

Jesus Christ, everytime I see or hear Jim Sterling I immediately thank the heavens that I do not look or sound like Jim Sterling

- - - Updated - - -

Loot boxes exist because people buy them. The solution is simple - don't let your kid have access to your card (or don't be a shit parent and actually spend time with them), and if you're an adult - never buy lootboxes.

[Polly3685]

I thought so, and with labor laws the way they are, ain't no kid pushing 30h/wk. I was lucky to get 8 during school and 15 in the summer because MI child labor laws SUCKED.

I'm sure it varies state to state. I have no idea what they are locally anymore. When I started working at 16 I could pull 40 hr/wk in retail without breaking any labor laws. Not that I always got that many.

[Tech614]

Loot boxes exist because people buy them. The solution is simple - don't let your kid have access to your card (or don't be a shit parent and actually spend time with them), and if you're an adult - never buy lootboxes.

Yawn, the usual excuses that have been proven wrong multiple times in this thread and do nothing to solve the problem.

Let's make crack legal- what's the problem? Just don't buy it!

Regulation exists for a reason, and government only steps in when the industry fails to properly regulate itself. If it comes to that they have no one to blame but themselves.