Loot boxes have been around for a while now. It seems like most games have them these days. Lately they’ve been in the spotlight and there has been a controversial debate over whether or not they are considered gambling.
Some authorities around the world have announced that they will be looking into this matter, and in Belgium, authorities have in fact classified it as gambling and they would like it banned across Europe.
One person who doesn’t think that loot boxes are gambling is Take-Two’s president, Karl Slatoff. Not surprising of course. Speaking at the Credit Suisse 21st Annual Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, Slatoff was quoted as saying, “The whole gambling regulator thing, we don’t view that sort of thing as gambling.”
He also adds, “It’s about overdelivering on content and making sure you’re focused on engagement. That has been our strategy and where we’re focused, and as long as you keep your eye on that ball, you’re going to be OK. The consumer’s going to be really happy with what they get.” Take-Two is the parent company of developers like Rockstar, who are behind titles like Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, and more.
The question is, will authorities agree with Slatoff’s reasoning?
Source Ubergizmo
