The debate over whether or not loot boxes in video games are gambling mechanics rages on, with different countries falling on opposite ends of the spectrum in those regards. Regardless, some developers and publishers (not EA, of course) are taking hard stances on the issue- one such developer is Rocket League’s Psyonix, who were recently acquired by Epic Games (which some people weren’t very happy about).
The studio recently put up an update in which it announced that it will be removing all paid randomized loot boxes from Rocket League by the end of the year. This, it seems, is a company-wide change that Epic is implementing as a whole (they did it earlier with Fortnite: Save the World as well). With the removal of loot boxes, Rocket League will soon implement a new system that lets players know exactly what it is that they’re going to purchase.
“Here at Psyonix, and Epic Games as a whole, we are dedicated to creating the best possible experience for our players all over the world,” Psyonix’s statement reads. “In pursuit of that goal, later this year we will remove all paid, randomized Crates from Rocket League, replacing them with a system that shows the exact items you’re buying in advance. This is similar to changes implemented earlier this year by the Fortnite Save the World team.”
As much as companies like EA continue to push loot boxes in their games and refuse to stop using such practices, it’s heartening to see others pushing back. Credit where credit is due to both Psyonix and Epic Games.
There’s no word yet on what exactly this change will happen, but we do know it’s happening some time this year, so stay tuned to GamingBolt for any and all updates on this.