The campaign called “Not Everything is a Game” teaches about gambling-type dangers in randomised reward systems.
Important Details
- This initiative focuses on loot boxes and shows how they resemble gambling and might hurt minors.
- The Ministry wants game developers to show more transparency and put clearer age ratings on games with chance-based features.
Spain Launches Campaign Against Loot Box Risks in Games
Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs ran a public info campaign. We must inform people of the issues with loot boxes in games. Also, they put out info that these features may produce gambling-like activities in kids. “Not Everything is a Game” became the campaign’s title. Families and young players will learn about loot box mechanics. Players buy randomised virtual items with real money inside video games. These purchases create psychological and economic effects.
Loot boxes have gambling characteristics, according to the Ministry. Players invest money without knowing what they will get. This uncertainty triggers compulsive consumption patterns. Parents and guardians must understand these mechanisms through this initiative. Games present these features as harmless fun. Vulnerable populations spend significant money and develop behavioural problems. Children and adolescents face the biggest risks.
Spain Moves to Regulate Loot Boxes and Protect Young Gamers
Informational materials explain loot box operations within the campaign. Warning signs of problematic use appear in the content. Families receive recommendations to create healthy gaming habits. Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy stressed that protecting minors matters. Practices that exploit psychological vulnerabilities and normalise chance-based spending need to stop. Spain and the Canary Islands governments began discussing new laws to regulate underage gambling better across regions.
Video game companies should reveal odds of getting specific items, the Ministry stated. Age ratings must clearly show when games contain these mechanics. Several European countries have already created regulatory measures or public health campaigns. This initiative follows the growing international concern about loot boxes. Spain’s General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling monitors gaming and gambling convergence. Loot box mechanisms spread through popular titles. Millions of young people play these games worldwide.