Earlier today, gamesindustry.biz reported that Michael Warnecke, chief counsel of tech policy for the Entertainment Software Association (of "leaking absolutely everything" and "The company behind E3" fame) told the Federal Trade Commission that the "Big Three" of console manufacturers are finally uniting as one to finally fight the scourge of lootb- oh, well, not exactly.
I know, my friend. We must continue to be patient...
Said Warnecke at the FTC's Inside the Game workshop:
"I'm pleased to announce this morning that Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony have indicated to ESA a commitment to new platform policies with respect to the use of paid loot boxes in games that are developed for their platform. Specifically, this would apply to new games and game updates that add loot box features. And it would require the disclosure of the relative rarity or probabilities of obtaining randomized virtual items in games that are available on their platforms. As well, many of the leading video game publishers of the Entertainment Software Association have decided that they are going to implement a similar approach at the publisher level to provide consumers this information and give them enhanced information to make purchase decisions."
Hey, it's something? The ESA claims that the companies (and the publishers who have signed on) are targeting a 2020 implementation. Still, while not the coup d'etat I was hoping for against the "It'S oNlY cOsMeTiCs" surprise mechanics, transparency is obviously a very good thing. Seeing the hard numbers for your odds of getting that flaming Tracer skin or whatever could inform you for or against making that purchase, and it would hold developers liable for keeping the drop chances accurate. If anyone needs me, Kratos and I will continue to build the plot to overthrow the predator- eh, don't worry about it, actually.
