The Electronic Software Rating Board (ESRB) has waded into the recent conversation surrounding loot boxes, saying the mechanic does not fulfill its criteria for using gambling as a game descriptor.

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"While there's an element of chance in these mechanics, the player is always guaranteed to receive in-game content (even if the player unfortunately receives something they don't want). We think of it as a similar principle to collectible card games: Sometimes you'll open a pack and get a brand new holographic card you've had your eye on for a while. But other times you'll end up with a pack of cards you already have.



"Should there be any gambling or gambling related mechanics in a game, ESRB assigns one of two content descriptors as part of the rating: “Simulated Gambling” (player can simulate gambling without betting or wagering real cash or currency) and “Real Gambling” (player can actually gamble, including betting or wagering real cash or currency). If there is any real gambling in a game or app it will always receive an Adults Only rating."

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"ESRB does not consider loot boxes to be gambling," a spokesperson for the organization told IGN. The rest of the Players have raised concerns about the use of loot boxes in recent games like Star Wars Battlefront 2 and Middle-earth: Shadow of War , specifically over the worry that the gameplay benefits of loot boxes could veer too far toward a "pay-to-win" strategy. Destiny 2 faced similar scrutiny over its own microtransaction system for cosmetic items, but the perception of real gameplay advantages has been particularly controversial.The ESRB also noted it does advise players of the inclusion of microstransactions, as the company "does disclose the ability to purchase in-game content via the Digital Purchases interactive element , which will accompany the assigned age rating and content descriptors for digitally delivered games and apps."For more on the subject, read IGN editor Tom Marks' take on the Battlefront II beta and his fears about the pay-to-win possibilities it raises and watch IGN's Alanah Pearce discuss the topic below. Kotaku first reported the ESRB's stance on loot boxes.

Steve Watts is a freelance writer living in the DC-Baltimore area. You can follow his keen insights on Twitter @sporkyreeve.