Sony Ordered to Refund FIFA Ultimate Team Purchases After Austrian Court Rules Loot Boxes as Illegal Gambling

The lootbox industry has suffered an important setback in Austria, where a court ruled that loot boxes in FIFA Ultimate Team constitute illegal gambling.

The court has further ordered Sony to refund the purchase cost to the plaintiff, who made the purchase in Sony's online store.

The case

The case in question pertained to spending on FIFA Ultimate Team, played on PlayStation, with Sony being the defendant due to the purchase being made through their online store.

The court's decision was based on the fact that Sony lacks a gambling license in Austria, leading to the purchase contract being declared void.

Local

It's worth noting that the ruling is only local to Austria for now and will likely have to traverse multiple levels of the court. However, because the overall legal situation in other EU countries, such as Germany, is similar, the ruling, if upheld, could have far-reaching consequences.

The decision is being applauded all over the internet as a win for consumer protection, as loot boxes have been criticized for their similarities to gambling and their potential to exploit vulnerable individuals such as kids.

not the first time

This isn't the first time loot boxes have landed in legal hot water. Belgium was the first country to declare loot boxes illegal and prosecute game developers who included them in their games in 2018. The Netherlands quickly followed suit, declaring loot boxes illegal in some cases as well.

hot topic

Loot boxes in video games have become an increasingly hot topic in recent years. While some players see them as a harmless way to add excitement to games, others see them as a form of gambling, particularly when players can spend real money on them, but no matter what your opinion is on it, everyone can agree stricter restrictions are needed.