FYI, this is the same Hawaii state representative, Chris Lee, who was very vocal about the Battlefront 2 loot box controversy. Apparently the legislation was introduced last month, but I don't recall hearing anything about it before this news article today. Also, I should note that this obviously only applies to video game sales in Hawaii if enacted, but it would certainly cause publishers a headache to adhere to different regulations from different states, so they could elect to make some of these changes nationwide.
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com...-target-video-games-with-rewards-for-a-price/
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com...-target-video-games-with-rewards-for-a-price/
It might be game over for certain video games in Hawaii after state lawmakers introduced legislation to limit the implementation of electronic gambling systems within the popular pastime.
A quartet of proposed bills introduced last month target exploitative monetization techniques in video games that some fear might psychologically condition players to become addicted to gambling.
The bills highlight a common mechanism referred to as "loot boxes," wherein players can use real money to purchase an in-game "box" of items. The contents of the box are randomized, with some items being much rarer than others, and cannot be revealed until the box is purchased.
One pair of bills, House Bill 2686 and Senate Bill 3024, would prohibit the sale of any game featuring a system wherein players can purchase a randomized reward using real money to anyone younger than 21 years old.
The other two bills, House Bill 2727 and Senate Bill 3025, would require video game publishers to prominently label games containing such randomized purchase systems, as well as disclose the probability rates of receiving each loot box reward.
Lee said he has worked with legislators from other states and countries to create a widespread response to predatory payment mechanisms. More than half of U.S. states are pursuing some form of loot box oversight legislation, he said.
"If enough of the market reacts, the industry would have to respond and change its practices," Lee said.