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Square Enix Pulls Three Games From Belgium After Loot Box Ban (theguardian.com)
The games publisher Square Enix is pulling three mobile games from Belgium following the introduction of a law in the European nation that bans "loot boxes" as a form of gambling. From a report: The games -- "Mobius Final Fantasy", "Kingdom Hearts Union X" and "Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia" -- are some of largest titles in the publisher's mobile roster, although it is better known for its console games such as "Tomb Raider", "Final Fantasy" and "Hitman." In statements posted in the games, Square Enix confirmed that the new law was to blame for their removal, citing "the present uncertain legal status of 'loot boxes' under Belgian law". Belgium first took action against "loot boxes", digital reward packs which can be bought with real or virtual money and contain a semi-random array of in-game items, back in April. The country's gaming commission ruled that the mechanics, as implemented in three popular games -- "Overwatch", "Fifa 18" and "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive" -- were in violation of gambling legislation.
Slashdot Neckbeards need to figure out what they want.
You and probably some of the libertarian/alt-right/randroid/all-government-is-collectivism types say:
"Nanny State"
Then someone else says:
"Loot boxes and microtransactions are anti-consumer and EVIL and should be banned"
Look, Self-regulation isn't working, this is when government needs to step up and lay down some consumer-friendly ground rules.
Besides, you can't run countries with millions of people like some tiny village with a few selectmen, you need strong central governments because too many are working cross-purposes and causing harm to the nation as a whole.