The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has revealed its intention to carry a “public workshop” to debate the matter of loot containers in video games.
Variety experiences that, in response to a letter despatched by FTC fee chairman Joseph Simons, the FTC plans to host a public workshop with reference to loot containers later this yr.
Simons’ letter was despatched to Senator Maggie Hassan, who beforehand called upon the ESRB to analyze whether or not loot containers had been being marketed “in an ethical and transparent way.” Hassan had despatched the chairman a letter final month, hoping for an replace on the FTC’s investigation.
Unfortunately, Simons didn’t say whether or not the FTC can be legally investigating loot containers, or identify these concerned if the federal government physique had been to open one.
“I share your concerns about loot boxes, but I cannot address your specific questions about any nonpublic law enforcement efforts,” Simons’ letter reads, in response to a replica obtained by Variety.
“We are currently planning a public workshop on loot boxes for later this year as one non-law enforcement option,” he defined.
“A workshop could provide a forum for stakeholders representing wide-ranging perspectives, including consumer advocacy organizations, parent groups, and industry members. It also could help elicit information to guide subsequent consumer outreach, which could include a consumer alert.”
For her half, Senator Hassan known as the transfer a “step in the right direction” and inspired the FTC to “continue working with consumer advocates, parents, gamers, and industry members to ensure that meaningful improvements are made to increase transparency and consumer protections around loot boxes.”
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