Are there laws that regulate loot boxes or other incentives in digital games?
In Washington, yes, there are laws that regulate loot boxes or other incentives in digital games. In 2020, Washington State passed the Video Game Consumer Protection Act (HB 2534), which makes it illegal for game developers to sell loot boxes that contain random items. This law prevents developers from using randomized rewards in digital games, such as loot boxes, pay-to-win offers, and similar incentive models. The Act requires game developers to disclose the probability of receiving certain items within the loot box, as well as whether the items can be obtained through regular play. This allows players to make informed decisions on whether they want to purchase a loot box or not. Furthermore, it prohibits game developers from marketing their games to minors, meaning they cannot specifically target minors with advertisements related to the game. The Washington State law also makes it illegal to sell loot boxes or other incentives to players under the age of eighteen. This is to protect younger players from spending money on random items in virtual games. Overall, Washington State’s Video Game Consumer Protection Act seeks to protect players from predatory practices in digital games, such as loot boxes and pay-to-win offers. By regulating these practices, the law aims to ensure that players have the information they need to make informed decisions.
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