Question

Players have long been able to buy virtual items with real money in video games, such as special weapons and features. But Nintendo raised the ire of parents and regulators in 2018 when it added so-called loot boxes—a virtual lottery for in-game items—to its kid-friendly game ‘Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.’ That same year, the US Federal Trade Commission said it would investigate loot boxes, which critics liken to a slot machine or a scratch ticket that’s more accessible to children. The video game industry pushed back hard, arguing that loot boxes are an integral part of the strategy and skills players use to compete. The passage assumes which of the following:

• A. Video games industry’s sole purpose is to maximise profit via active exploitation of players through any means possible without consideration as to the age of the player
• B. There are no limitations in US as to who can make an in-game purchase, since children have access to loot boxes
• C. The highest utilisation of loot boxes happens in Nintendo’s games
• D. By choosing to investigate the matter, the US FTC has expressed its displeasure at presence of loot boxes in video games

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

There are no limitations in US as to who can make an in-game purchase, since children have access to loot boxes

Answer 2

The correct option is (B): There are no limitations in US as to who can make an in-game purchase, since children have access to loot boxes