Austrian Supreme Court Rules FIFA Loot Boxes Are Not Gambling

Austrian Supreme Court Rules FIFA Loot Boxes Are Not Gambling

The Supreme Court of Austria has ruled that FIFA loot boxes do not fall under the legal definition of gambling. The decision is a major milestone with significant implications for the gaming industry, especially for developers who use loot box mechanisms in their games.

Summary

The case revolved around the claim that FIFA loot boxes, which offer random in-game items, constituted a form of gambling. The court, however, disagreed, arguing that the items obtained in the loot boxes are primarily used within the game and do not have monetary value outside of it.

What was announced

The Austrian Supreme Court officially decided that FIFA loot boxes do not qualify as gambling under Austrian law. This decision ends a long legal dispute and sets an important precedent for future loot box regulations in Austria.

Relevance for Devs

• Impact on Game Design: The decision may influence the design of future games, encouraging the use of loot boxes in monetization mechanics without the risk of being classified as gambling.
• Legal Certainty: Developers operating in Austria now have greater clarity about the legality of loot boxes in their games, provided they follow the guidelines established by the court.
• Monetization Models: The decision may lead to greater experimentation with loot box-based monetization models, focusing on ensuring that the items obtained have value primarily within the game.

Impact

The decision by the Austrian Supreme Court could have a significant impact on how games are developed and monetized, especially in Europe. Other countries may analyze the Austrian decision when considering their own regulations on loot boxes.

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