The controversy surrounding video games using monetized loot boxes continues unabated across the industry. While some countries, likeBelgium and the Netherlands, have banned loot boxes, other regions including the United States have allowed the practice to go on without regulation. Defense of the practice within the gaming industry has at times been questionable. Just the latest example is fromElectronic Arts, which claims thatFIFAplayers “love” loot boxes in the franchise.
Eurogamer recently reached out toElectronic Artsregarding its loot box practices in theFIFAfranchise, following a decision by the UK government not to regulate the practice. EA responded with a statement defending the practice and why it believesFIFAUltimate Team and FUT loot boxes are necessary. In that statement, EA explains that it believes theseFIFAloot boxes “are a part ofFIFAthat players love,” noting that they have been a part of theFIFAfranchise for over a decade.
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Expanding on why players “love"FIFAloot boxes, EA says that, “fans love that the game reflects the real-world excitement and strategy of building and managing a squad.” As for the monetization aspect of that, EA says that, “Giving players the choice to spend if they want to is fair.” This argument is then repeated by EA, with the company asserting that spending real money onFIFAloot boxesis “entirely optional.” This is a common refrain in defense of loot boxes, and has even been repeated by the ESA, the US video game industry’s largest trade association.
EA’s statement continues, saying that it doesn’t “encourage spending over earning rewards through game play.” Further, EA claims that the vast majority of loot boxes opened inFIFAgames are not purchased with real money and that 9 out of 10 openedFUT Packs inFIFA 22are earned.
The statement from EA does not, unfortunately, directly address the most controversial aspects of loot boxes. Those being that loot boxes are akin to gambling and that addiction can be a result. For example, one UK study found that as many as1 in 10 young gamers had gone in debt buying loot boxes.
It’s unclear ifFIFAplayers genuinely enjoy loot boxes or not, but it’s undeniable thatEA’s monetizationis extremely profitable. EA reported its biggest quarter ever earlier this year andFIFA 22played a large part in that. Unless that changes, it’s unlikely EA will take a serious look at changing its loot box monetization or reflect on the alleged harms it may cause. Otherwise, look forward toEA’s Ultimate Team and the return of FUT Packs inFIFA 23, which launches later this year.
