After extensive investigation that took place over several months the Belgium Gaming Commission concluded that the implementation of loot boxes as seen in titles like FIFA 18, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike: GO were in effect illegal. In that the link between them and gambling was clear. As per the findings of course.

Now, the BGC is stating that criminal prosecution should be taken against companies like EA, Activision Blizzard, and Valve. In a new report over at gamesindustry.biz such actions will only proceed after the Belgian minister of justice meets with industry stakeholders. But even so, preparations will commence sooner rather than later. "We are going to take all preparatory measures for the drafting of police reports, but it's not going to be tomorrow," BGC director Peter Naessens said. "There is a certain amount of time for the minister of justice, but it's not unlimited."

Naturally, other recommendations are on the table including proper labeling and creating permits for games that feature loot boxes. In addition to age restrictions on purchasing codes and gifts. As well as the base game. Some of the information that the BGC is requesting probably won't happen which includes full access to all odds and technical details on the random number generators implemented.

"I cannot say there will be a European-wide common approach," Naessens adds. "But there is at least a common concern among regulators about those loot boxes and the use of gambling mechanisms in video games, so it will be up for discussion."