Android Police reports that Google has made some changes to its Play Store policies. Specifically on the subject of loot boxes, makers of mobile games with such mechanics will have to “clearly disclose the odds of receiving those items in advance of purchase.”
While Google is very late to the party, it’s better late than never. The company’s sudden adoption of the policy may also have something to do with the new bill proposed in the US earlier in the month. The proposed bill is officially known as the Protecting Children from Abusive Games Act. Under said bill, game makers will not be able to have paid loot box or pay-to-win mechanics in games aimed at minors. In other words, games with loot boxes can only be sold to those aged 18 or above. Effectively, this restricts such games to an Adults Only rating by the ESRB, which also limits their visibility in the US. (Source: Google)
