Rocket League is replacing loot boxes with 'Blueprints' amid gambling crackdown
MPs claim Crates and other random items 'expose children to potential harm'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Video game developer Psyonix will replace loot boxes in its hugely popular title Rocket League, following concerns that they encourage children to gamble.
A new system called Blueprints will be introduced in December through a game update, which will replace the existing randomised Crates with a more transparent system.
"We believe our new Blueprint system will give players more transparency in what they are purchasing," Rocket League developer Psyonix wrote in a blog post.
Loot boxes, which allow gamers to purchase a random assortment of in-game items, have already been removed from some popular video games due to pushback from authorities.
In January, Fortnite announced that the content of boxes would not be hidden so that players know exactly what they are buying beforehand.
Video game loot boxes have proved controversial among some lawmakers, who believe they should be more heavily regulated.
In September, MPs advised that loot boxes should constitute gambling under UK laws in order to protect children from addictive practices.
"Loot boxes are particularly lucrative for games companies but come at a high cost, particularly for problem gamblers, while exposing children to potential harm," said Damian Collins, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
"Buying a loot box is playing a game of chance and it is high time the gambling laws caught up. We challenge the government to explain why loot boxes should be exempt from the Gambling Act."
The committee's findings only serve as recommendations but a law passed by the government could force video game developers to ditch loot boxes entirely.
Kostya Lobov, a senior associate in the technology team at London law firm Harbottle & Lewis, told The Independent: "The significance of the Committee's findings should not be underestimated [and] will affect the regulatory landscape in the UK and potentially further afield."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments