Belgian company complies with loot boxes regulation

The company behind games like Overwatch has decided to comply with the new regulations.

Belgium.- Blizzard, the developer and publisher of entertainment software behind popular games like Overwatch, has published a statement in which it shares that while the company doesn’t agree with new regulations for the gaming industry, it has decided to comply with the new interpretations of the Belgian law.

Earlier this year, the Belgian Gaming Commission (Kansspelcommissie) ruled against a number of video games and threatened millionaire fines if they’re not adjusted. The commission came to the conclusion that loot boxes are games of chance, and if these are further exploited, they will start tough legal actions. The decision was later endorsed by the Belgian Ministry of Justice.

“While we at Blizzard were surprised by this conclusion and do not share the same opinion, we have decided to comply with their interpretation of Belgian law. As a result, we have no choice but to implement measures that will prevent Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm players located in Belgium from purchasing in-game loot boxes and loot chests with real money and gems,” reads the statement.

“No matter what, we want to make sure that our players around the world have the best entertainment experience possible. While players in Belgium will no longer be able to purchase paid loot boxes in Overwatch and loot chests in Heroes of the Storm, they’ll still be able to earn them by playing the games, and they’ll still have access to all in-game content,” said the company

Moreover, Blizzard said that the measures will be implemented shortly, but that they remain open to further discussions with the Belgian Gaming Commission and Ministry of Justice on this topic.