The maker of the popular FIFA games has been fined by the Dutch Gaming Authority. This demands that the company remove an addictive gaming element from the games that resembles gambling. Every week that the playmaker does not meet the requirement, he must pay a 500,000 euro fine, with a maximum of 5 million.
The Gaming Authority has been trying for 2.5 years to stop the sale of digital player cards, so-called loot boxes, in the football game. Game maker EA has for the time being opposed the adjustment and challenged the measure in court. EA has ruled it wrong, so that the penalty can be imposed.
In the FIFA games, you can buy packs of digital player cards for the Ultimate Team mode without knowing in advance which players you will get. The digital maps can be sold online. Because players have the chance to win a rare card, and therefore a high yield, this system is too much like gambling, according to the regulator. It could increase the risk of gambling addiction later in life.
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