The internet has been abuzz ever since the most recent trailer for NBA 2K20. In the trailer, there are slot machines and other games of chance. What truly upset gamers is that despite the blatant gambling themes in the game, the ESRB rated the game “E for Everyone.” PEGI also didn’t flag the game either.
The game will also continue to have players buy packs of cards for the chance to unlock content in the game. This is similar to loot boxes which are also under fire for being deemed as gambling by many gamers.
Why should I care?
If you’re a parent, you obviously want to protect your kids from adult content such as gambling. However, even if you’re a seasoned gamer that is used to this kind of content, you should still be worried.
It might seem like this isn’t a big deal for you, but this could set a new standard for modern video games. Loot boxes are nothing new, but they are getting more and more popular in video games. The issue is that you are already spending upwards of $60 for a game, but you’re then expected to dish-out more money hand over fist so that you can get more content. This content ranges from unnecessary stuff that’s just in the game for fun, and items that can actually make the game playable/winnable.
A game that is infamous for having these “pay-to-win” features is Star Wars: Battlefront. As many players know: either you buy the guns that help you win the game, or you get creamed over and over again by the players that do.
What has been the response?
Gamers, fans of the franchise, and parents have all expressed their disgust for the game and the two rating boards. The trailer on YouTube has about an 85% dislike rating with comments filled with hatred for the game. This has caused the developers to unlist the video to try and stop the amount of attention it gets.
In an article for Polygon, the PEGI board responded by saying that they didn’t flag the game for the gambling content because they can’t say for sure whether the gambling mechanics will be prominent in the game.
The ESRB has not yet responded to the outcry from gamers and parents, and still marks the game as “E for Everyone.” On the ESRB website, they only flag the game for “mild language.”
What should I do?
If you really want this game, we probably aren’t going to convince you to boycott it. Just keep in all of this in mind in case you were considering buying this game for your little brother/cousin/nephew etc. However, the ESRB and PEGI need to held accountable for the game’s ridiculous rating. Voice your opinion on the matter, and get the discussion going.
