Valve and Blizzard has fulfilled the requirements of the Belgian authorities and removed luchbox of their games. Electronic Arts was not so accommodating and was removed from FIFA 18 packs of random cards, as well as going to keep them in FIFA 19, whose release will take place on September 29.
In connection with this criticism, the Prosecutor’s office of Belgium began a criminal investigation against EA.
Recall that in April 2017, the Belgian authorities have determined that the game luchbox violate the country’s laws about gambling. Luchbox bought without prior knowledge of their content and provide an advantage in the game. The gambling Commission found that at least three video games violate local laws.
The Commission last year investigated the situation with suboxone in four games — Star Wars Battlefront II, Shadowrun, FIFA 18, and Counter Strike: Global Offensive. The reason for the investigation was the scandal around the Star Wars Battlefront II, where the gamers for development was required to either spend a lot of time in the game or buy the content in luchboxer in large amounts.
As a result of investigation, the Belgian authorities came to the conclusion that in three games out of four, Overwatch, FIFA 18, and Counter Strike: Global Offensive, luchbox fall under the definition of unlawful gambling. The developers of Star Wars Battlefront II had to quickly make the necessary adjustments in the game immediately after launch, so technically it no longer violates the law.
Valve and Blizzard have already adjusted Overwatch and Counter Strike: Global Offensive. But developers EA threatening fines of up to 800 thousand Euro and even imprisonment up to five years. In the engagement of children, the penalty and the amount of fines could double.