Posted in: Games, Video Games | Tagged: hawaii, loot box, lootbox, mictotransactions

New Hawaiian Bill Goes After Loot-Based Systems In Gaming

Published Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:45:38 -0600

Last updated Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:50:52 -0600

We kinda knew this would take place at some government level this year, we just didn't expect it in Hawaii. According to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, lawmakers have introduced new bills on the local house and senate floors targeting loot boxes and microtransactions in video games. The first two bills (introduced at each level) would prohibit games from being able to sell boxes to anyone under the age of 21, while the second set would require publishers to "prominently label games containing such randomized purchase systems, as well as disclose the probability rates of receiving each loot box reward." You can read these bills in full here, here, here, and here.

Now while introducing them is a bold step, keep in mind that whether or not they pass is an entirely different measure. While the language in the bills themselves looks pretty sound, the content may eventually be brought into question (like it would in almost every state in the county) as to whether or not this is a pressing matter worth taking up the house and senate's time for debate. Part of the legislative process is that they have to vote whether to even take time talking about it first, which they haven't. If it does indeed hit the floor, we'll keep you updated on their progress.

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