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The publisher had initially refused to remove or amend loot boxes in its FIFA titles, but "after further discussions with Belgian authorities" has agreed to pull FIFA points from sale by January 31.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

January 29, 2019

1 Min Read

EA will no longer sell FIFA Points in Belgium after the country's gaming authority declared loot boxes illegal

The U.S. publisher had initially refused to remove or amend loot boxes in its FIFA titles, but "after further discussions with Belgian authorities" has agreed to pull FIFA points from sale by January 31.

It's a move that means players will no longer be able to purchase randomized FIFA Ultimate Team packs for real-world cash. Instead, they'll only be able to buy them using coins earned in-game. 

The Belgian Gaming Commission outlawed loot boxes in video games back in April 2018 after investigating their usage in popular titles like Star Wars Battlefront 2, FIFA 18, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

It ruled that loot boxes were "games of chance," and thus in breach of the countries gambling laws. Other publishers like Blizzard and 2K all chose to amend their loot box practices, but EA had refused until now

Although its finally decided to comply, the publisher isn't happy about the regulatory changes, and says it doesn't agree with the new interpretation of the law.

"We seek to bring choice, fairness, value and fun to our players in all our games.  In addition to providing players options in how they play, we include pack probabilities in our games for the transparency players want to make informed content choices," wrote EA.

"While we are taking this action, we do not agree with Belgian authorities’ interpretation of the law, and we will continue to seek more clarity on the matter as we go forward. The impact of this change to FIFA Ultimate Team in Belgium is not material to our financial performance."

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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