Electronic Arts has not been a fan favorite in the recent past, as a large part of their drama revolves around loot boxes, but it would appear they don’t plan to change their tune. A recent investor Q&A led to some interesting answers from Andrew Wilson, the CEO of EA. He said that EA will continue to include loot boxes in their games, as they do not agree that all loot boxes are gambling.
As far as EA is concerned, loot boxes are only considered gambling when a developer or publisher allows players to sell their in-game items for real-world cash. The only other way they would agree with regular video games including gambling features is if they included a way to “cash out” in-game funds. Considering no EA title has either of these options, they consider themselves in the clear.
One of the biggest mentions in this Q&A session included Wilson bringing FIFA 18 into the equation. He mentioned the Ultimate Team mode within the game specifically. Wilson stated that the FUT packs that players buy within this mode are not gambling because there is no real-world value for them.
Interestingly enough, Wilson also recognized that illegal trading does happen in video games sometimes. He also said that EA will work with regulators to make sure that any illegal trading of EA game items would be stamped out. The gaming giant is supposedly committed to including loot boxes in a “transparent, fun, fair, and balanced way.”
Sources: Seeking Alpha & Gamasutra