When my nephew was 7 years old, he ran up a £200 bill for nonsensical digital objects on Xbox Live during the 360 era. Microsoft reimbursed my brother after we

When my nephew was 7 years old, he ran up a £200 bill for nonsensical digital objects on Xbox Live during the 360 era. Microsoft reimbursed my brother after we described the problem to them. This was a little while before the media even knew there was a story. Given the early success of Xbox Live, I suspect they probably saw the issue coming long before the recent witch hunt, and did the right thing. I think as a burgeoning social problem, it can definitely be likened to what the fast food chains are now penalised for. And as it's a burgeoning problem, there are probably no (edit - meaningful long-term) research projects to explore the link between free to play marketing and gambling problems later in life, but I'd be surprised if there's no link there. I think it would be remiss of any organisation to call for a total ban, just as it would be for any group to call for a ban on cake... But I do think laws prohibiting the offering of in-game products to certain age groups, for cash should be considered. Beyond that though, I think loot boxes and in-game economic structures are fair... ummm... game...