The Entertainment Software Association, or ESA, said it plans to underscore to the FTC the industry's "deep connection to our community and shared desire to work with policymakers, parents, and players to provide the information they need for a positive game experience," noting that the FTC is hosting a workshop on loot boxes today, featuring a broad groups of stakeholders as well as the ESA. To further the effort by the FTC to allay concerns about in-game spending and loot boxes, the ESA said that several video game industry leaders are announcing new initiatives to help consumers make informed choices about their purchases, including loot boxes. The major console makers - namely Sony (SNE), Nintendo (NTDOY), and Microsoft (MSFT) - are committing to new platform policies that will require paid loot boxes in games developed for their platforms to disclose information on the relative rarity or probability of obtaining randomized virtual items, the ESA said. These required disclosures will also apply to game updates, if the update adds new loot box features. The precise timing of this disclosure requirement is still being worked out, but the console makers are targeting 2020 for the implementation of the policy. In addition, several of ESA's publisher members already disclose the relative rarity or probability of obtaining in-game virtual items from purchased loot boxes, and other major publishers have agreed to do so no later than the end of 2020. Together, these publishers include Activision Blizzard (ATVI), BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Bethesda, Bungie, Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Take-Two Interactive (TTWO), Ubisoft (UBSFY), Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (T), and Wizards of the Coast (HAS). "Many other ESA members are considering a disclosure," the association said. "The disclosure will apply to all new games and updates to games that add such in-game purchases and will be presented in a manner that is understandable and easily accessed. Taken together, these disclosures will help reach consumers playing across a variety of games, including PC games and other games delivered outside of the platforms." Reference Link
