A state Senate bill calling for greater transparency in video game gambling systems is the subject of a public hearing today.
A public hearing for Senate Bill 3025 is slated for 9 a.m. today in conference room 229 at the state Capitol in Honolulu.
SB 3025 would, if passed, require video games that feature systems wherein players can purchase a randomized in-game reward using real money — generally referred to as a “loot box” system — to have prominent warnings on packaging about such gambling-like systems, as well as require publishers to disclose the probability rates of receiving each reward.
Loot box systems have incurred significant online backlash in recent months, with at least one game publisher removing such systems from a game prior to launch in response to overwhelmingly negative feedback. Many people fear such systems exploit children using psychological manipulation.
Other bills pertaining to loot boxes remain in committee.