Belgium investigates company over loot boxes

The public prosecutor’s office is investigating Electronic Arts because it offers loot boxes.

Belgium.- The Brussels public prosecutor’s office is conducting a criminal investigation into the company Electronic Arts because it claims that it continues to offer loot boxes in the video games FIFA 18 and 19, even after the local gambling commission said it is not permitted.

‘Loot boxes’ are virtual surprise packages that the players can purchase with real money. The local gambling commission said that it is a form of gambling, but Electronic Arts is the only company still offering that modality and refuse to stop.

According to the Gaming Commission, the ‘loot boxes’ are actually an illegal game of chance because players do not know exactly what the treasure box contains when they make a purchase.

EA’s topman Andrew Wilson said that they will not stop offering loot boxes in their games this summer. According to Wilson, it is not about gambling, because players know exactly how many objects they get.