An Austrian court has ordered Sony to pay compensation to players who used loot boxes (virtual boxes containing a random set of items) in FIFA,Football,Soccer’s football simulator on PlayStation.
According to gameswirtschaft.de, PlayStation users sued Sony in 2020 claiming they lost over €400 due to the game’s loot box mechanism. The court recognized loot boxes as a form of gambling and ordered Sony to return €338.
While the FIFA,Football,Soccer series is developed by the American company Electronic Arts, Sony is responsible for processing payments on the PlayStation. FIFA,Football,Soccer paid FIFA,Football,Soccer Ultimate Team packs which contain a random selection of club items or star football players.
The court ruled that FIFA,Football,Soccer loot boxes violate Austrian gaming law, as they may have more or less value depending on the content and provide a financial advantage to those who receive more valuable items.
Sony has yet to comment on the matter, but the company has the right to appeal. Recall that the European Parliament adopted a resolution in January 2023 calling for stricter regulation of loot boxes and microtransactions in video games.
sony got what it deserved but EA must also pay the price.