Selvom Loot Boxes var et emne der kendetegnede den sidste del af 2017, så fortsætter debatten med at rasere i 2018. Nogle gamere har måske bevæget sig videre fra Star Wars Battlefront II-skandalen, men politikere verden over arbejder videre på at sikre lovgivning på området, der skal gøre det sværere for udgivere at slippe afsted med lignende projekter.
Den seneste klage kommer fra New Hampshires senator i USA, Maggie Hassan, der har skrevet et åbent brev til ESRB-organisationen, der står for at aldersmærke spil i landet, og som ville kunne introducere en øjeblikkelig "M for Mature Rating" hvis spillet indeholdte Loot Boxes.
"The prevalence of in-game microtransactions and loot boxes raises several concerns surrounding the use of psychological principles and enticing mechanics that closely mirror those often found in casinos and games of chance. The potential harm is real. [...] While there is robust debate over whether loot boxes should be considered gambling, the fact that they are both expensive habits and use similar psychological principles suggest loot boxes should be treated with extra scrutiny. At minimum, the rating system should denote when loot boxes are utilized in [games]."
"I respectfully urge the ESRB to review the completeness of the board's ratings process and policies as they relate to loot boxes, and to take into the account the potential harm these types of microtransactions may have on children. I also urge the board to examine whether the design and marketing approach to loot boxes in games geared towards children is being conducted in an ethical and transparent way that adequately protects the developing minds of young children from predatory practices."
Det lyder måske bare som endnu en tom besked, der ikke får nogen videre konsekvenser, men ESRB har faktisk svaret på brevet, og i deres besked indikeres der at de vil foretage ændringer til systemet.
"We received Senator Hassan's letter and appreciate her confidence in and support of the ESRB rating system. [...] As the industry evolves, so does our rating system, and we will continue to make enhancements to ensure parents continue to be well-informed. We will also continue to provide information about additional tools, including parental control guides, that help parents set spending and time limits and block potentially inappropriate games based on the ESRB-assigned age rating."