TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry, is pleased to see that new guidance regarding paid Loot Boxes has been published today. A set of 11 principles have been produced to help ensure that those game businesses that use paid Loot Boxes adopt responsible practices that protect children and young people, from the risks associated with paid Loot Boxes. The principles were devised by a Technical Working Group convened by the DCMS in response to a call for evidence to pursue enhanced industry led solutions, which TIGA and its members contributed to.
The Government identified a range of potential harms associated with the purchase of paid Loot Boxes. DCMS convened an industry Technical Working Group to pursue enhanced industry-led solutions to mitigate the risk of harm for children, young people and adults from paid Loot Boxes in video games.
The principles of Paid Loot Boxes, supported by examples of good practice, capture the following:
- Detail ways in which technological controls can restrict the purchase paid Loot Boxes by those under 18s and how such controls are implemented across platforms;
- Encourage greater awareness of parental controls to increase their uptake by players;
- Increase player understanding of Paid Loot Boxes with clear information and probability disclosures to allow consumers to make informed decisions;
- Provide clear guidance on the design and marketing of Paid Loot Boxes with clear signposting of information for consumer redress and implementation of fair refund policies.
Some of the principles are best delivered by publishers and developers, whilst others can be enabled by platforms providing parental tools and controls, and policies which publishers and developers should comply with. The guidance is not exhaustive, nor prescriptive, thereby leaving scope for games companies to innovate still further to advance player protection.
TIGA published its own set of voluntary Principles for Safeguarding Players in 2020. These principles set out several good practices, including responsible spending and time management measures.
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, CEO of TIGA said:
“The new principles on Paid Loot Boxes accord with some of TIGA’s previous recommendations in this area. TIGA particularly welcomes the principles that require the disclosure of Paid Loot Boxes before purchase; clear probability disclosures; designing and presenting Paid Loot Boxes in a manner that is easily understandable to players; a commitment to fair refund policies; and advanced protections for all players.
“Games businesses should aim to ensure that games are safe to use for all players. Children and young people should not be able to buy loot boxes in video games without parental consent. TIGA also believes that vulnerable adults need to be protected against potential harm arising from paid Loot Boxes. TIGA looks forward to continuing to work with the Government to enhance player safety.”
Jason Kingsley OBE, the Chairman of TIGA and CEO of Rebellion said:
“These new principles on paid Loot Boxes place a strong emphasis on safeguarding children and young people. They should reduce the potential for harm associated with paid Loot Boxes and reinforce player safety. We will continue to work with the Government to review the impact of these principles over time.”