Which countries ban gacha games?

Japan, South Korea, and China have all introduced rules around game monetisation, such as Japan's widely reported ban on "kompu gacha" systems -- but each of these countries did take a finer scalpel to the issue, focusing in on specific mechanisms they found abusive rather than simply banning the entire concept of loot ...

Where are Gacha games banned?

The UK Gambling Commission has stated that video game loot boxes are a reason behind the rise in underage gambling and more children being classified as “problem gamblers”. Currently, only a handful of countries have active gacha regulations, and these games are fully banned in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Is gacha illegal in Japan?

Japan was the first country to take regulatory action against loot boxes. In 2012, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency declared complete gacha to be illegal.

What countries have loot boxes banned?

As of today, the only European jurisdiction where loot boxes are explicitly banned is Belgium, where the Gambling Commission declared loot boxes to be "in violation of gambling legislation" back in 2018, although a recent study showed that the Belgian regulator is struggling with enforcing the ban.

Which 18 European countries are against loot boxes?

The 20 organisations represent consumers in Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, with the NCC coordinating and leading the campaign alongside the European Consumer Organisation in Brussels.

EUROPE IS BANNING ALL GACHA GAMES?!

Are loot boxes illegal in the US?

Are Loot Boxes Legal? Today, with a few exceptions, most forms of loot boxes remain legal and unregulated worldwide. However, proponents of loot box regulation argue that the chance and rarity mechanics make loot boxes akin to gambling and constitute predatory practices toward minors.

Are loot boxes illegal in UK?

The Gambling Commission has said the Gambling Act 2005 does not cover loot boxes and it therefore cannot use any of its regulatory powers to take action.

What countries don t allow loot boxes in video games?

Loot boxes are grab bags of in-game content purchased via a specific in-game currency that typically requires real-world money. Both Belgium and the Netherlands passed laws outlawing these forms of gambling in 2018.

Which countries banned lol?

League of Legends has been blocked in Iran and Syria due to rising political tensions between the two countries and the United States, meaning players in both regions can no longer access one of the most popular games in the world.

Does China allow loot boxes?

Loot Box Restrictions

Chinese law is particularly strict and detailed on loot boxes, as they are seen as a form of gambling: Loot boxes cannot be purchased using either real or virtual currency. Loot box contents must also be acquirable through other means. Compulsion loops are not allowed.

Is gacha illegal in USA?

Following a number of highly-publicized incidents in which players spent thousands of dollars in pursuit of the ultimate virtual items (usually unsuccessfully), the infamous multi-level version of gacha, called “complete gacha,” or “kompu gacha” was declared illegal by the Consumer Affairs Agency in 2012 (resulting in ...

Are loot boxes illegal in Europe?

Regulation of Loot Boxes in the EU

As mentioned above, aside from EU consumer protection laws, loot boxes are not subject to any specific EU harmonized legislation (as is the case for gambling activities).

Is gacha considered gambling?

Consider gacha, for the most part, a simple game where you pay money and receive in-game rewards like weapons or character skins. However, because these in-game purchases have actual value and, in certain cases, may be sold to gain money, many see this as gambling.

What was the first ever gacha game?

The first popular Japanese gacha game, released 2010 on GREE. Part of the Fate/stay night visual novel franchise. Part of the Final Fantasy franchise. Widely criticized for its lack of gameplay, after which a producer said that it was in fact not a game.

Why don't people like gacha games?

The most common complaint is that these types of games are money pits that suck players in, fuel a gambling addiction, and offer no long-term rewards. Others say that the gacha mechanics are meant to persuade players into spending more and more money without any real guarantees.

Which country banned loot boxes first?

Back in 2018, Belgium become one of the first countries to rule that loot boxes are a form of gambling. Due to this, they were automatically banned from video games.

Which country banned all games?

Mainland China. A very large number of video games are banned in mainland China. Games that depict drugs, sexuality, blood, organized crime or defamation of the Chinese government are almost always banned.

Who is the most banned champion?

Which country banned games first?

According to Official Guinness Records, On 30 July 2002, the Greek government hastily attempted to curtail illegal gambling by introducing law “3037” banning all electronic games.

Are loot boxes illegal in Japan?

In 2012, Japan banned “kompu gacha,” a special type of loot box through which players can collect a final award if they collect a complete set of items from randomized loot boxes. Notably, Japan regulates loot boxes under a law protecting consumers from deceptive practices, rather than under gambling regulations.

Is fortnite illegal in some countries?

In countries like Iran and Iraq, Fortnite mobile is completely banned due to its violence and perceived negative influence on youth. Similar restrictions are also in place in China, where the game is not allowed to be downloaded or purchased from official app stores.

What country limits video games?

For years, Chinese authorities have sought to control how much time kids can spend playing games online, to fight “internet addiction.” They've claimed success in curbing the problem but are taking no chances.

Are loot boxes just gaming or gambling?

In almost all senses of the word, loot boxes are a form of online gambling. Their addictive nature and just-one-more effect entice gamers into spending their hard-earned money, in-game or otherwise, on an item that may or may not contain something of value.

Will Germany ban loot boxes?

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, new rules will apply to entertainment software for new video games that arrive on the market. In the future, in addition to content relevant to the protection of minors, the presence of loot boxes will result in the game receiving a stricter rating to indicate it's not suitable for children.

Why did countries ban loot boxes?

Due to fears of them being used as a source in gray-market skin gambling, loot boxes began to become regulated under national gambling laws in various countries at the same time.