Despite the ESRB deciding that chanced-filled loot crates aren't gambling, the gaming community appears to be divided on the subject. If you're paying real-world money for an item that is purely based on chance (it's all decided by the RNG god), are you not gambling?
Putting the argument aside, there's been a lot of focus on loot crates for a particular game – Star Wars: Battlefront 2. Over the past few weeks, concern has been mounting that the game will feature pay-to-win microtransactions for loot crates.
Reports have suggested that each loot crate in Battlefront 2 will be worth 1,100 in-game credits. Each loot crate has been detailed to contain more than just cosmetic items – the crates will contain Star Cars, Weapons and "other" valuable resources.
According to Amazon, the in-game currency will be called Crystals and can range anywhere from $4.99 to $99.99, depending on how many Crystals you wish to purchase. Paying $4.99 will get you 500 Crystals and paying $99.99 will get you 12,0000 Crystals.
Here's the official description of their use:
"STAR WARS Battlefront II Crystals Pack* Use Star Wars Battlefront II virtual currency Crystals to purchase Crates, giving you a selection of new Star Cards, weapons, emotes, and other valuable resources to continue your Star Wars hero’s journey."
Back in July, EA stated that players will be "rewarded" in the game through "regular play" and one of those rewards will be with "crates". The spokesperson went on to details that those who want to "accelerate the rewards" can purchase crates and contain "randomised items and rewards."
Basically, we are starting to see the 'accelerated' path for rewards. We have yet to see how much grinding you have to do to earn the items yourself.
