The blind pursuit of profit at all costs is untenable. It is essential that we make money the right way.
—Indra K. Nooyi
| INVITE FRIENDS! |
| Are we players or are we gamblers? |
More people are asking “loot boxes” in video games to be considered as gambling in the wake of the release of new games.
Who is it this time?
Slovenian video gamer Lovro Pirjevec has started a petition on Change.org in October urging U.S’ independent rating agency Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to consider loot boxes as gambling. The petition has already gained 45,724 signatures.
Tell me why Pirjevec consider the loot boxes as gambling.
The gamer cited the definition of gambling and then said, “Loot boxes and crates in video games fit the description entirely, as everytime you open them, you gamble and take chances to win rare in-game content.”
But ESRB thinks otherwise.
Last October, the independent body has already stated that it “does not consider loot boxes as gambling” as in video gamers are always guaranteed to receive in-game content – even if the player unfortunately receives something they don’t want.
Pirjevec thinks there is a solution to the issue.
He said that the solution is for ESRB to declare their respective "Adult only" rating for video games in which you can gamble to win for digital items and credit cards.
Takeaway
The furor against loot boxes could be a turning point in the gaming industry that will affect developers once the mechanics be considered as gambling.
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| GLOBAL ROUND UP |
| ASIA |
Cruise and casino investor Genting Hongkong Ltd. sold its 2.19 percent stake in cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd. (NCLH) worth US$270.1 million.
| EUROPE |
Swiss sports data specialists, Sportradar, have partnered with the French National Lottery (La Française Des Jeux), to launch a free-to-play esports site.
PokerStars have mended its broken ties with IPT as it agreed to become the tour’s primary sponsor.
| FACT YOU NEED TO KNOW |
In the U.S. states that already had commercial casinos in 2007, casino revenue has declined 6.1% since then to $35.1 billion.
| TIP OF THE DAY |
If you want more eyes on your website, refrain from always writing about your product. Instead, try writing about what interests your target demographic. Once you know those things, think laterally about the kind of content that will interest this audience and also projects your brand values.
| PRESS RELEASE |
NetEnt gives players chance to get closer to the action with its latest live casino game – Mobile Standard Blackjack
NetEnt introduces Mobile Standard Blackjack, the latest addition to its live casino portfolio.
| SHOUT OUT |
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