Why Did Shadow of War Remove Loot Boxes?
Middle-earth: Shadow of War ultimately removed its loot box system because the mechanic “risked undermining the heart of our game,” as stated by Monolith Productions. While the game initially launched with loot boxes, the decision to remove them was driven by a potent combination of consumer backlash, ethical concerns, and the broader industry shift away from predatory monetization practices. Although items obtainable in loot boxes were also obtainable through regular gameplay, the inherent randomness and the option to purchase them with real money created a negative perception and a sense of pay-to-win within a single-player game.
The Initial Controversy
When Shadow of War was released in 2017, it immediately faced considerable criticism for including loot boxes and microtransactions in a single-player, story-driven game. This backlash stemmed from the fact that players were used to purchasing a game for a fixed price and expecting a complete experience without additional monetary hurdles. The introduction of randomized loot boxes, called “War Chests”, containing Orc followers, gear, and resources, created an atmosphere where players felt pressured to spend extra money to progress more efficiently or obtain the specific followers they desired. This was compounded by the fact that while not strictly necessary, the availability of purchasable advantages gave a feeling of unfair advantage to those willing to spend extra money.
Player Perception and Game Integrity
The core of the issue was that the loot box system felt like an unnecessary intrusion into a traditionally single-player experience. Players believed the game’s balance was subtly, or not-so-subtly, altered to encourage loot box purchases. The randomized nature of loot boxes directly clashed with the core appeal of Shadow of War, which is the unique Nemesis system, encouraging strategic planning and personalized experiences. Players felt that instead of organically growing their Orc army through gameplay, they were enticed to gamble for the chance of acquiring a good follower. This undermined the player’s sense of accomplishment and control, key elements of a good single-player experience.
Monolith’s Response
Monolith Productions responded by stating their decision to remove loot boxes was based on the realization that the system was detrimental to the overall enjoyment of their game. While they defended the design at the time of launch, they also listened to the player feedback. They recognised that the random, monetized reward structure directly conflicted with their game’s ethos and the core experience they intended to provide, which is one based on building personal narrative and agency in their own game. This led them to remove the loot boxes and all microtransactions, a move that greatly improved the overall perception of the game.
The Shift Away from Loot Boxes
The removal of loot boxes from Shadow of War came amidst a wider discussion in the video game industry regarding the ethical implications of loot boxes and their potential for predatory monetization. Several other titles also began to move away from similar systems due to consumer pressure and increasing government scrutiny in various countries. The concerns about loot boxes also revolved around their similarities to gambling and the potential harm they can cause, especially to younger audiences. This industry shift demonstrated that developers were now more sensitive to player needs and the potential negative perception of their games due to aggressive monetization.
Ethical Considerations
The removal of loot boxes from Shadow of War also reflects a growing awareness of the ethical concerns associated with such systems. Arguments made against loot boxes included the fact they are often compared to slot machines, with their reliance on randomized rewards and variable value prizes. This is problematic as players spend real money for the chance of a valuable reward, which could lead to feelings of addiction and frustration, particularly for younger players who might have difficulty understanding the value of money. This consideration plays a crucial role in the trend of game developers moving away from loot boxes.
The Result
The ultimate removal of loot boxes from Shadow of War was a turning point in gaming, emphasizing the importance of player feedback and ethical game design. By removing all microtransactions and loot boxes, Monolith Productions showed that they were willing to adapt and prioritize the integrity of the player experience over short-term monetization strategies. This also demonstrates that even well-established companies can change their policies in response to player dissatisfaction, proving the power of consumer opinion in shaping the gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the loot box controversy in Shadow of War?
Shadow of War faced significant backlash for including RNG loot boxes and microtransactions in a single-player game, especially given the items obtainable in lootboxes could also be obtained through regular gameplay. Critics argued this undermined the game’s core mechanics and felt like a blatant attempt to push players to spend more money.
2. Why are games removing loot boxes?
Games are removing loot boxes due to a combination of consumer backlash, ethical concerns, and increased regulatory pressure. Loot boxes are often criticized for being predatory and similar to gambling, leading to a widespread push for their removal from games, especially those targeted towards younger audiences.
3. Why were loot boxes banned?
Loot boxes haven’t been universally banned, but several countries, like Belgium and the Netherlands, have deemed them illegal under their gambling laws. This is due to the concern that randomized rewards purchased with real money constitute a form of gambling, particularly when targeted at younger audiences.
4. When did Shadow of War remove loot boxes?
Shadow of War stopped selling Gold, the in-game currency for purchasing War Chests (loot boxes), on May 8th, and completely ended the availability of War Chests on July 17th, 2018. Any remaining Gold was converted into War Chests automatically.
5. Did Shadow of War remove microtransactions?
Yes, Shadow of War removed all microtransactions when it removed the loot boxes. This meant that players could no longer spend real money to acquire in-game resources or advantages.
6. Who banned loot boxes?
Belgium was one of the first countries to declare loot boxes a violation of gambling legislation and pushed for their removal. The Netherlands also has mounting government support to ban them. Other countries have different forms of regulation regarding loot boxes.
7. What game popularized loot boxes?
While the concept existed earlier, Overwatch is often credited with popularizing loot boxes in modern gaming. It made the system widely adopted, and eventually led to the increase in concern.
8. Are loot boxes still legal?
With some exceptions, most forms of loot boxes remain legal and unregulated worldwide. However, many advocate for their regulation, citing their similarity to gambling and predatory practices, especially towards minors.
9. Are loot boxes going to be illegal?
It’s a complex issue. While not universally illegal, the legal status of loot boxes is under constant scrutiny, with ongoing discussions and court cases in various jurisdictions. It is likely the legal status will change in the future.
10. Where are loot boxes illegal?
Loot boxes are considered illegal or qualify as gambling in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Slovakia. These countries have either outright banned them or have placed them under strict gambling laws.
11. What was the first game to use loot boxes?
Researchers trace the concept of loot boxes back to the Chinese free-to-play MMO ZT Online, released in 2006. Team Fortress 2 was one of the first western games to incorporate them in 2010, which helped to mainstream the mechanic.
12. Why are loot boxes addictive?
Loot boxes are designed to be addictive because they incorporate randomized rewards, creating a compulsion loop similar to slot machines. Players risk money for the chance of a valuable prize, triggering a similar response in the brain as gambling.
13. Did Shadow of War remove microtransactions?
Yes, Shadow of War removed all microtransactions and loot boxes in 2018, a significant step in response to player feedback.
14. What are predatory games?
Predatory games employ monetization schemes that obscure the long-term costs involved, often leading players to spend more than they initially intended. This can involve tactics that make it hard to track spending or manipulate players into continuously buying in-game items.
15. Do gamers like loot boxes?
Sentiment towards loot boxes varies. While some players, particularly console and mobile gamers, have expressed a higher tolerance or even a preference for them, PC players often express more dislike for loot boxes. The general sentiment leans slightly towards favorable, but often with a strong focus on the game itself being fair.