Probably, sorry if that hurts your nostalgia.
The one possible redeeming difference is that those cards are an integral part of playing the game.
A lot of these loot boxes are for worthless cosmetics that can then be sold for real money using the same company that sold the loot box as an intermediary.
Japan deals with the same issue with pachinko parlors. Gambling is illegal there, so they give out useless trinkets as prizes. And they all just happen to be located next to a shop (owned by the same company but legally distinct) which will buy those useless trinkets for a set amounts of money. A casino with extra steps. Sounds familiar?
In a lot of countries casinos and gambling are perfectly legal. So why should loot boxes or blind packs be illegal but not casinos?
Don’t get me wrong, I would rather buy a skin than risk money on a loot box, but at least with valve if you open the box and get something you don’t want you can sell it or trade it for something else.
Is it legal for children to be gambling in those places?
I bet they’re not paying the same taxes that those casinos are.
Regardless, this is a story about an American company bring
They aren’t supporting children gambling. They ask you your age before you buy these games and before you put in any payment information into steam. It’s not verified with an ID or anything but that is a whole nother can of worms in computing that will open up a box. We do not want to open for our privacy rights.
The solution here is more parenting. The solution here is to go after gambling culture as a whole. The solution here is to take down polymarket. The solution here is to not make it so the gambling is the main fucking commercial during our super bowl halftime.
Steam gift cards are a thing.
Xenny@lemmy.world 1 day ago
The thing you’re all fucking missing is no you can’t sell the in-game items for real money through the service. Steam money isn’t real money. It can’t go back into a normal economy. You always have to sell your inventory through a third party.
This whole lawsuit this whole thing is to try to get age verification checks through steam to lock down our privacy rights. You’re all fucking blind
87Six@lemmy.zip 9 hours ago
I know guys that made momey selling acciunts then bragged to me… Don’t be foolish
ParlimentOfDoom@piefed.zip 22 hours ago
Your credit card is already tracking and selling all the purchasing data you use it for on steam. Your identity is attached to that account
Aria@lemmygrad.ml 22 hours ago
They list the value in USD. You can use the money to pay for games on steam. Would you be taking the same stance if I hacked Steam to give myself Steam-wallet money? Would I be committing fraud or merely griefing a fun virtual casino-themed game for fun?