Apple Now Requires Developers to Disclose Loot Box Odds

We previously reported on the micro-transaction and lootbox debacle in the gaming industry, which actually caught the attention of lawmakers and state officials and even has legislation proposed to prohibit the sale of said games to anyone under the age of 21. Now, Apple has changed their guidelines for developers regarding loot boxes.

The company has updated their guidelines for app developers so that should their game contain loot boxes or “other mechanisms that provide randomized virtual items for purchase,” they “must disclose the odds of receiving each type of item to customers prior to purchase.”

While this is a big win for consumers in the fight against loot box and gacha shenanigans, it’s unclear where the developers have to disclose this, and how often they have to disclose it.

Mobile games typically have way more loot box and gacha mechanisms than their console counterparts, so it will be interesting to see how much this is enforced.

Some mobile games (like Granblue Fantasy, pictured) are notorious for their gacha mechanics, and even run promotions where they increase odds of things dropping.

How do you feel about Apple forcing app developers to disclose the rates for loot box and gacha odds? Should console manufacturers do the same thing? Sound off in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: Featured image via AeroAero


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Owner and Publisher at Niche Gamer and Nicchiban. Outlaw fighting for a better game industry.


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