Imagine if free to play games could only direct sell cool cosmetic items. Maybe they would focus more on the cool stuff that they can charge more for rather than lots of throw away filler items. Maybe they would have to keep coming up with new ideas to implement. Maybe they would have to come up with a reasonable price point for the item.
It seems like but a dream but... maybe, just maybe.
Imagine if free to play games could only direct sell cool cosmetic items. Maybe they would focus more on the cool stuff that they can charge more for rather than lots of throw away filler items. Maybe they would have to keep coming up with new ideas to implement. Maybe they would have to come up with a reasonable price point for the item.
It seems like but a dream but... maybe, just maybe.
You do realize that the current drama about lootboxes is about 100% P2P games? This has nothing to do with F2P.
In our original story, it was said that the Belgian Gaming Commission had ruled that loot boxes such as those found in Star Wars: Battlefront II and Overwatch are considered a form of gambling. However, the story has been updated that the committee has not issued a final ruling, though they are investigating. It appears a Belgian Justice Minister spoke ahead of the ruling stating that he wished to see loot boxes banned altogether in the EU.
A report linked by the site acknowledges in its conclusion both the spread of loot boxes in videogames, and the difficulty in regulating them using current laws. As always, online translation is rough, but the report indicates that game operators can be "aggressive" with in-game sales and often target "young people." It also calls for "closer cooperation between governments, software developers, and rating agencies," and says that "with the right rules and consistent enforcement," it should be possible to "protect players from the harmful effects of gambling without compromising" the games themselves."
If the US government wasn't all about propping up the greediest most predatory corporations that operate in the US this is something that could have the potential to happen here, and some of these predatory behaviors could actually go away.
But that is what the government here is about, so it won't happen. This will turn into another one of those "evil European socialist" propaganda pieces to convince the American consumer that it's American to be taken advantage of, even though the American consumer doesn't really want this crap any more than the European consumer does.
To be honest I don't think we've even hit the height of being vocally against it yet. This is a bandwagon now and the next company that attempts a similar thing will cause a similar or worse uproar in the community.
Dunno....given how wide spread and successfull lootboxes are, I doubt there is truly that many people against it...
Seeing them everywhere doesn't mean they're popular, it just means that they're a successful revenue stream.
I don't know anyone that "likes" loot boxes, even though a lot of people I know will drop money on them. Most of them would rather just buy the item they want directly, but most companies prefer the loot box because they know they'll make more with them.
Imagine if free to play games could only direct sell cool cosmetic items. Maybe they would focus more on the cool stuff that they can charge more for rather than lots of throw away filler items. Maybe they would have to keep coming up with new ideas to implement. Maybe they would have to come up with a reasonable price point for the item.
It seems like but a dream but... maybe, just maybe.
Naw, they would just go more P2W then ever, or emulate the early days of BDO and make the base items so boring and ugly you would feel forced to spend real cash to not look like a noob. I guess the only positive in that is you would know what you are getting with your money.
Well, this is actually an interesting route that the industry will end up going in. Games needs to find ways to make money, free to play games most of all. The whole 'predator' mentality though has become poison in today's games, and it is apparent that the stock holders only care about making the quick buck$.
I will thank EA for their greed because of that, this is getting a lot of attention and if anything is done about it, well everyone in the industry is going to give EA the stink eye and a lot of licenses will probably be pulled in fear of association. Maybe Ubisoft will get the Star Wars license! Or Activision!
I will thank EA for their greed because of that, this is getting a lot of attention and if anything is done about it, well everyone in the industry is going to give EA the stink eye and a lot of licenses will probably be pulled in fear of association. Maybe Ubisoft will get the Star Wars license! Or Activision!
If CD Project Red got the license I'll have their babies.
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
People who buy loot boxes pay for my game. I can buy 10 legendary skins in OW just from playing. Never bought, never will. There’s just no need.
Do those "skins" give you an extreme game play advantage? People will grind all day in game for cosmetics because it doesn't affect game play.
Exactly. Loot boxes in Overwatch aren’t a problem since it’s just cosmetic crap and not affecting gameplay in any way!
Unlike Battlefront II, where the entire game’s Progression system is designed around Lootboxes, with an insane grind if you want to progress by playing only!
To be honest I don't think we've even hit the height of being vocally against it yet. This is a bandwagon now and the next company that attempts a similar thing will cause a similar or worse uproar in the community.
Dunno....given how wide spread and successfull lootboxes are, I doubt there is truly that many people against it...
Seeing them everywhere doesn't mean they're popular, it just means that they're a successful revenue stream.
I don't know anyone that "likes" loot boxes, even though a lot of people I know will drop money on them. Most of them would rather just buy the item they want directly, but most companies prefer the loot box because they know they'll make more with them.
This is where these guys start talking out of both sides of their mouth.
In one argument, they say they sell so well because they are popular and the majority want them and in another argument they say it's all ok because it's only the Whales that buy them.
To be honest I don't think we've even hit the height of being vocally against it yet. This is a bandwagon now and the next company that attempts a similar thing will cause a similar or worse uproar in the community.
Dunno....given how wide spread and successfull lootboxes are, I doubt there is truly that many people against it...
Seeing them everywhere doesn't mean they're popular, it just means that they're a successful revenue stream.
I don't know anyone that "likes" loot boxes, even though a lot of people I know will drop money on them. Most of them would rather just buy the item they want directly, but most companies prefer the loot box because they know they'll make more with them.
This is where these guys start talking out of both sides of their mouth.
In one argument, they say they sell so well because they are popular and the majority want them and in another argument they say it's all ok because it's only the Whales that buy them.
Typical 2017 gamer mentality: if the other guy is a fool and getting screwed, I'm good 'cause they're not doing it to me.
"Social media gives legions of idiots the right to speak when they once only spoke at a bar after a glass of wine, without harming the community ... but now they have the same right to speak as a Nobel Prize winner. It's the invasion of the idiots”
― Umberto Eco
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?” ― CD PROJEKT RED
To be honest I don't think we've even hit the height of being vocally against it yet. This is a bandwagon now and the next company that attempts a similar thing will cause a similar or worse uproar in the community.
Dunno....given how wide spread and successfull lootboxes are, I doubt there is truly that many people against it...
Seeing them everywhere doesn't mean they're popular, it just means that they're a successful revenue stream.
I don't know anyone that "likes" loot boxes, even though a lot of people I know will drop money on them. Most of them would rather just buy the item they want directly, but most companies prefer the loot box because they know they'll make more with them.
This is where these guys start talking out of both sides of their mouth.
In one argument, they say they sell so well because they are popular and the majority want them and in another argument they say it's all ok because it's only the Whales that buy them.
Typical 2017 gamer mentality: if the other guy is a fool and getting screwed, I'm good 'cause they're not doing it to me.
It's like you got the one guy who lol's at everybody when the sad fact is, everyone lol's at him.
It's good news, loot boxes unregulated extravaganza is going to end.
I posted in the other thread, there's also news in the US side against loot boxes:
Who would have imagined, politicians and gamers on the same page. Expect Gdemami cause reasons.
Our tax dollars at work... legislation to ban loot boxes in video games passes while legislation on gun control sits in a filibuster for all eternity.
Laugh at that...
[mod edit]
I will be resisting as hard as I can the urge to post any further as Suzie frowns upon such topics, but your post is facepalm worthy in the highest order.
The data just doesn't support your argument. At. All.
Seeing them everywhere doesn't mean they're popular, it just means that they're a successful revenue stream.
Same thing...
Not really, the companies care about how much they make, not how many people buy them. I wouldn't be surprised if the majority didn't buy them, but due to the few who spend obscene amounts of money it gives the impression of them being popular. We know people are willing to spend in the thousands in games, so not really a shocker
It's good news, loot boxes unregulated extravaganza is going to end.
I posted in the other thread, there's also news in the US side against loot boxes:
Who would have imagined, politicians and gamers on the same page. Expect Gdemami cause reasons.
I guess we shall have to wait and see what type of stance the government will take, but I'm not overly optimistic about it. The only reason they are looking into it at all is that they have finally woken up and noticed that purchasing content for games is a very lucrative market. And now they ( the Fed ) have a way to make money off of it. Valve makes millions with their Work Shop ,Bethesda just recently started this with their Creation Club. And games like GTA do this just to name a few of the heavy hitters. While they don't sell randomized loot boxes per say they are still some what predatory in nature. At least a young teen could feel compelled to purchase these items.
The only thing I see happening that games that offer these types of services will require a special license that will have to be purchased in order to sell the game . And of course they would have to change ESRP rating from T to M or even possibly rating it as an Adult title because they are gambling with real currency.
I suspected it would go this way when EA pulled their loot boxes. I'm sure they had a feeling for what would happen before it was announced.
Now we will see how it's negotiated and what stays/goes.
They probably have connections in most major governments, and get updated about this sort of stuff long before the public does. Bribes go a long way.
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
Loot boxes bring in money for the games and are a big part of why games can be F2P. Banning lootboxes sounds like a good idea, but could perhaps have a side effect that is unwanted when game developers need to create another way to generate revenue.
Great news maybe they will be forced to change them now at least for Europe hopefully U.S adopts this soon too.
I don't mind RNG box a lot but when you have to spend $200+ and don't even get the item ur looking for yeah theres a problem.
ESO, Overwatch, Smite are examples of games that do this.
There's a diference between "cosmetics" and items that actually boosts your charc or account...
Example: an item that allows an increased rate of fire for the rocket barrage. Another item in which Darth Maul receives less damage while doing the Spin Attack...
It's good news, loot boxes unregulated extravaganza is going to end.
I posted in the other thread, there's also news in the US side against loot boxes:
Who would have imagined, politicians and gamers on the same page. Expect Gdemami cause reasons.
Our tax dollars at work... legislation to ban loot boxes in video games passes while legislation on gun control sits in a filibuster for all eternity.
Laugh at that...
Outlaw guns and make good people who want to defend themselves criminals.
Yeah I am sure all those Assault Rifles in stores are for defense.
Constantine, The Console Poster
"One of the most difficult tasks men can perform, however much others may despise it, is the invention of good games and it cannot be done by men out of touch with their instinctive selves." - Carl Jung
Comments
It seems like but a dream but... maybe, just maybe.
All die, so die well.
UPDATE:
In our original story, it was said that the Belgian Gaming Commission had ruled that loot boxes such as those found in Star Wars: Battlefront II and Overwatch are considered a form of gambling. However, the story has been updated that the committee has not issued a final ruling, though they are investigating. It appears a Belgian Justice Minister spoke ahead of the ruling stating that he wished to see loot boxes banned altogether in the EU.
According to Gamespot:
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
But that is what the government here is about, so it won't happen. This will turn into another one of those "evil European socialist" propaganda pieces to convince the American consumer that it's American to be taken advantage of, even though the American consumer doesn't really want this crap any more than the European consumer does.
Seeing them everywhere doesn't mean they're popular, it just means that they're a successful revenue stream.
I don't know anyone that "likes" loot boxes, even though a lot of people I know will drop money on them. Most of them would rather just buy the item they want directly, but most companies prefer the loot box because they know they'll make more with them.
Unlike Battlefront II, where the entire game’s Progression system is designed around Lootboxes, with an insane grind if you want to progress by playing only!
In one argument, they say they sell so well because they are popular and the majority want them and in another argument they say it's all ok because it's only the Whales that buy them.
"Be water my friend" - Bruce Lee
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?”
― CD PROJEKT RED
"Be water my friend" - Bruce Lee
The data just doesn't support your argument. At. All.
False argument. Only those who pay count.
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
https://www.ashesofcreation.com/ref/Callaron/
There's a diference between "cosmetics" and items that actually boosts your charc or account...
Example: an item that allows an increased rate of fire for the rocket barrage. Another item in which Darth Maul receives less damage while doing the Spin Attack...
Anyway money+addiction=gambling
Beta tester maniac