"Charging an individual for a chance to win something of value based on luck alone is quintessential gambling. At issue are loot boxes connected to hit franchises such as Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2. Players typically earn the sealed digital cases during gameplay. To open most of them, however, they must purchase a key for $2.49 plus tax, bringing the total to $2.71 in New York."
"Valve, a video game developer, has made billions of dollars by letting children and adults illegally gamble for the chance to win valuable virtual prizes. These features are addictive and harmful. That's why I'm suing to stop Valve's unlawful conduct and protect New Yorkers."
"Prosecutors say Valve intentionally structured its marketplace so those virtual goods carry real financial value. Players can resell items on the Steam Community Market, where Valve takes a 15% commission, or on outside platforms. Funds stored in a Steam Wallet can then be used to buy new games, hardware like the Steam Deck, or additional loot box purchases."
New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Valve Corporation, alleging that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 constitute illegal gambling. Players purchase keys for $2.71 to unlock digital containers with randomized cosmetic items. Valve profits from this system by taking a 15% commission when players resell items on the Steam Community Market. The complaint argues that charging for a chance to win something of value based solely on luck meets the definition of gambling. The lawsuit seeks to stop Valve's conduct and protect New Yorkers from what the Attorney General characterizes as an addictive and harmful practice targeting both children and adults.
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