Loot Box

A monetization mechanic where players purchase a virtual container that reveals randomized rewards — cosmetics, characters, or gameplay items — often using premium currency. Loot boxes have been compared to gambling due to their random reward structure and have been regulated or banned in several countries including Belgium and the Netherlands. Games like Overwatch and FIFA's Ultimate Team popularized the mechanic. Following regulatory and public pressure, many publishers have moved away from loot boxes toward direct purchase cosmetics or battle passes.