The Swedish Consumer Agency has been ordered by the country’s government to review consumer protection measures against casino-like elements found in games.

Minister for Public Administration Ardalan Shekarabi ordered the investigation after concerns were raised over the likes of loot boxes, especially with young adults engaging with them.

The agency has been given until October 1st, 2019, to report on its findings.

Swedish trade group Dataspelsbranschen has welcomed the initiative and is looking to work in unison with the government to address the issue. 

Welcome support

"We agree that it is a consumer protection issue (rather than gambling regulation as some have suggested) and welcome support and guidance in protecting the consumers,” Dataspelsbranschen representative Per Strömbäck told GamesIndustry.biz.

“The industry has of course already taken action in light of the criticism, through the introduction of new indicators in the age rating systems and in Sweden we are in the process of starting a scientific advisory council on responsible game design (not limited to business models)."

Sweden is not the only country looking to take action against loot boxes, as Germany recently published a draft for a new law aimed at protecting minors from certain mobile monetisation practices.