Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has recently forbidden the use of loot boxes for players under 18. This legislation could impact popular live service games like Overwatch 2, League of Legends, and Genshin Impact. It is part of a broader global initiative to limit loot boxes aimed at underage users.

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Brazil Bans Loot Boxes Targeted at Minors

As reported by Eurogamer, this prohibitive measure is part of a larger digital protection law established to safeguard children from online abuse and exploitation. Chapter 7 of this law explicitly forbids offering loot boxes to minors and mandates the installation of safety measures in games that may involve teen interactions through text, audio, or video.

The law is expected to take effect in March 2026, allowing the gaming industry time to adapt.

The Ongoing Debate Around Loot Boxes

The conversation around loot boxes has seen varied responses globally, with Belgium recently declaring them illegal and similar discussions occurring in the Netherlands. After evaluating their association with gambling, which is illegal in Brazil, the government has focused on this issue for several years.

Despite controversies, many companies still implement loot boxes. For example, Overwatch 2 recently reinstated them, claiming that the game warranted better rewards for free-to-play players.

Here’s a fact-based summary: a 2020 survey revealed that 74% of gamers view loot boxes as a form of gambling. With the Brazilian government’s stance, other nations may follow suit in exploring stricter legislation.

Loot box
Figure: Loot box

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This announcement marks a pivotal move in the gaming landscape and sparks interest in how companies will adapt to these regulatory changes.