Games with microtransactions get a label in North America

The American Entertainment Software Rating Board will provide games with microtransactions or other in-game purchases with a logo. The In-Game Purchases logo is placed on physical packaging and at download stores.

The addition of the logo to games is an initiative of the ESRB itself. The organization reports in a message on Twitter that it is a reaction to the upheaval of recent times about microtransactions and lootboxes in games. All games that offer something in return for payment will soon receive the logo. For example, the sale of dlc, microtransactions, lootboxes or the removal of advertisements against payment.

The ESRB has also set up a page called Parental Tools, which aims to provide parents of gaming children with insight into ways in which they can combat that games with a certain age restriction play a role. Also on the page are tips for limiting the possibilities to perform in-game purchases on different platforms.

The ESRB states that this is a 'first step for many' and says it remains involved in the discussion about lootboxes and micro-transactions in games. The organization does not see lootboxes as a form of gambling and stressed that according to Kotaku once again in a press conference. "We think it's a nice way to get hold of virtual items that can be used in the game", is the ESRB's position.

The ESRB assesses games for the North American market and shares age ratings and an opinion on the content. The organization does this at the request of publishers who voluntarily opt for it. Unlike in Europe, the age classification is not regulated by law. The ESRB was set up in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association, the trade association for video games in the United States.