Leaked EA documents state that the company is driving players toward FIFA’s loot boxes, which have been linked to gambling

A 54 page document was leaked from EA’s sports division in Burnaby, BC.The document discusses the addition of loot boxes in a game mode in FIFA 21 that is actively driving players to spend more money. The loot boxes are linked to gambling due to their addictive qualities. “The features of a loot box are similar to a slot machine,” said Keith Whyte, executive director of the U.S. National Council on Problem Gaming.

Loot boxes are items that can be opened in game that give you randomized loot, which includes better teammates and other in-game advantages. They can be bought with real life money or in-game money, in which you earn by “grinding” the game. Grinding means playing the game in a simple, repetitive way to gain items or points, until it is longer fun.

EA has publicly denied any rumours that loot boxes are linked to gambling because you can play the game without spending a dime.Still, there is nothing that can be done according to the gaming insider.”We can’t really do anything about it because at the end of the day, [the] company is trying to make money and satisfy investors.”

Image credit: Marco Verch