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App Store developers now required to disclose loot box probability – how long before Steam gets the same?

App Store developers now required to disclose loot box probability – how long before Steam gets the same?

This story originally appeared on our sister site PocketGamer.biz, but it's here because it shows Apple being somewhat proactive in the on-going discussion around loot crates in video games. In China, companies are also compelled to share loot box probability information – will Steam ever get this kind of functionality? 

Apple has changed its guidelines this week to require mobile games with loot boxes to disclose the odds of receiving items.

The precise wording covers loot boxes and “other mechanisms that provide randomised virtual items or purchase must disclose the odds of receiving each type of item to customers prior to purchase”.

Numerous top grossing mobile games use loot boxes or gacha mechanics to entire users to spend money.

The use of this type of monetisation has sparked similar regulations in countries such as Japan and China to what Apple is now imposing in the West: developers have for a while now been required to display the odds of getting items through such mechanics.

 


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Craig Chapple is a freelance analyst, consultant and writer with specialist knowledge of the games industry. He has previously served as Senior Editor at PocketGamer.biz, as well as holding roles at Sensor Tower, Nintendo and Develop.