Senator Hassan Statement on Announcement that Major Video Game Manufacturers Will Make Loot Box Odds More Transparent

WASHINGTON – Following Senator Hassan’s efforts to raise awareness on the potential dangers of loot boxes, the three major video game console manufacturers – Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo – announced today that they will require that any video game developed for use on their gaming consoles disclose the odds of receiving winnings from loot boxes. The announcement was made at a loot box workshop hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which came in response to Senator Hassan’s advocacy.

“I am encouraged that the video game industry has taken this important step forward to improve loot box transparency,” Senator Hassan said. “I’ll keep working to ensure that children are protected from the predatory and addictive effects of loot boxes in video games.”

Senator Hassan has been leading efforts in the Senate to sound the alarm on the potential dangers of loot boxes. Last year, Senator Hassan secured a commitment from the four FTC nominees that they would look into the harmful effects of loot boxes on children. Senator Hassan also sent a letter to Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) President Patricia Vance raising concerns about the harms loot boxes could have on young gamers.

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