Games with Loot Boxes Will have to Show Odds on Google Play

4.06.2019, 14:24

Google will now require games with loot boxes to show odds of getting items from them in Google Play. The decision has likely been made after the talks to ban loot boxes in the US and the growing association of gambling and loot boxes.

In comparison, the Apple Store has required developers to do so back in 2017. Now, Google has updated their policies as well. The payments terms now state: “Apps offering mechanisms to receive randomized virtual items from a purchase (i.e. ‘loot boxes’) must clearly disclose the odds of receiving those items in advance of purchase.”

Additionally, Google has updated other rules related to children. The game targeting children should limit their advertising and add safety warnings.

After such an update, other game marketplaces would likely follow suit. This would include Origin, Uplay and, most importantly, Steam. Valve are sued for skins gambling rather frequently. Therefore, the precedent from Google might influence their policies.