Last week, the Belgian Gambling Commission confirmed that it is currently investigating Star Wars Battlefront 2's loot boxes over possible gambling offenses. But Belgium is not the only country raising questions about this sort of business model.

According to NU.nl (via Google Translate), authorities in the Netherlands have now begun an investigation about whether loot boxes should be classed as gambling. The Dutch Gaming Authority said that "suppose we assume that this is a game of chance. In the Netherlands, a game of chance is subject to licensing when a prize or premium can be won, but we do not yet have a licensing system for online games of chance."

The Gaming Authority explained that it is still in the "research phase" regarding gambling mechanics in online games, and it does not want to make a statement about a specific game (such as Star Wars Battlefront 2). However, the Dutch organization also explained that "If someone offers an online game of chance, then this party is in violation, which in the worst case can result in enforcement and a penalty for the provider."

Middle-earth: Shadow of War Loot Boxes

NU.nl also suggested that under this ruling, games with loot boxes could potentially be banned until a new law passes. Such a ruling would not just affect Star Wars Battlefront 2, as games like Forza Motorsport 7 and Middle-earth: Shadow of War would be removed from sale too. Even the FIFA series of games could be affected as the Ultimate Team game mode offers random card packs.

The Netherlands is not the only country raising questions about loot boxes and microtransactions. As mentioned, Belgian authorities are now looking into the business model and it has also been reported that a French senator wrote a letter about the matter too. The UK government said that it is also keeping a close eye on things after it was urged by one Member of Parliament to discuss the issue.

While no countries have taken action against games with loot boxes and microtransactions just yet, the UK, French, and Dutch investigations could just be the start. Publishers and developers may find themselves and their games undergoing regulation in order to continue using the business model. And while companies may not be best pleased with that outcome, it will be good news for those players pushing for loot boxes and microtransactions to be kept out of games.

Source: NU.nl