Seals of Endeavors comes from a MS policy which is probably a means to hold off regulations in areas that have not regulated such crates. It is why these were added after MS finalized the purchase of ESO. This was discussed in some threads earlier this year. I do not know the real reason for MS starting this policy but just providing a reasonable guess.
As for when they will be removed from the game? When enough jurisdictions make them outright illegal and it seems we are not at that threshold. Again, a guess we are not there yet merely because these crates are still being sold.
Also, when the day comes that games do have to get rid of such crates we may get something much worse. The revenue will be replaced somehow and some operations will close down because they no longer receive enough revenue. This is essentially an economic law for businesses. I expect ESO will survive as it seems very successful but we will pay via another means.
If you think Zenimax is operating illegally in your jurisdiction then reporting them would be an appropriate and just action. Those in authority will determine if Zenimax is operating outside of the law. I would suggest anyone who thinks so take this route.
Seals of Endeavors comes from a MS policy which is probably a means to hold off regulations in areas that have not regulated such crates. It is why these were added after MS finalized the purchase of ESO. This was discussed in some threads earlier this year. I do not know the real reason for MS starting this policy but just providing a reasonable guess.
As for when they will be removed from the game? When enough jurisdictions make them outright illegal and it seems we are not at that threshold. Again, a guess we are not there yet merely because these crates are still being sold.
Also, when the day comes that games do have to get rid of such crates we may get something much worse. The revenue will be replaced somehow and some operations will close down because they no longer receive enough revenue. This is essentially an economic law for businesses. I expect ESO will survive as it seems very successful but we will pay via another means.
If you think Zenimax is operating illegally in your jurisdiction then reporting them would be an appropriate and just action. Those in authority will determine if Zenimax is operating outside of the law. I would suggest anyone who thinks so take this route.
On the note of Reporting it, I did.
Response: "Thank you for notifying us of this, we will notify the Company of the problem. Unfortunately, this process can be expected to take some time, we hope you understand."
I'm paraphrasing, as their response was a lot longer, but that sums it up.
Working out who's actually responsible for this error isn't so straight forward.
What country are you in?
What country are you in?
@Elsonso
I would expect Belgium or the Netherlands. However, when looking at EA, which is the example EA used, their loot boxes were of a different design as they offered a small chance for an item that would improve the player's performance in-game. That is a very different situation than cosmetics as it becomes more forced since it affects being able to compete in combat vs cosmetics.
In the end, OP reported it, good for them. If the authorities do find Zenimax is in violation of that nation's laws then they will soon not be able to see the crates in the crown store. If it is within the law then things will continue as they are, for now.
This is exactly why I absolutely hate the Crown Store the way it is set up. I sometimes fall victim to these crates myself and they often result in buyers remorse. The whole Seals of Endeavour thing... don't get me started. In short... you get so few of them and the prices on some items are absolutely outrageous.> Items cost a lot more than what can actually be acquired within the LoA (Lifetime of Availability) of the Product
> The fact that a Limitation applies to the Item encourages Gambling, and thus promotes the Problem.
francesinhalover wrote: »What about the players in your country that want them?
francesinhalover wrote: »What about the players in your country that want them?
bridgetrose wrote: »Well, they could get rid of the crates and to make up the loss in revenue they could make the game subscription only.
bridgetrose wrote: »Well, they could get rid of the crates and to make up the loss in revenue they could make the game subscription only.
Or just sell the actual items on the store.
Even if it's £30 for a skin, or mount.
People would still buy them and at least know how much they'd have to pay to get the item.
I'd ironically end up spending more money (either real cash or through gold, which means someone else is buying). Because right now, I don't touch crates unless there happens to be a new set when my ESO plus crowns come through.
Crates are such a source of revenue for them (and most game studios at this point) that they are more likely to disallow the game from being played in any country that bans them outright. The only way they’re getting removed is if the EU or US bans them, with language so firm that there are no loopholes. That’s unlikely to happen.
If too many jurisdictions ban the loot boxes, and the studio was too dependent on "loot box whale" revenue, it is more likely that development of the game will slow. The studio will focus on keeping the servers running. That will go on as long as they can generate enough revenue to pay for running the servers.
If too many jurisdictions ban the loot boxes, and the studio was too dependent on "loot box whale" revenue, it is more likely that development of the game will slow. The studio will focus on keeping the servers running. That will go on as long as they can generate enough revenue to pay for running the servers.
So, this is only Applying to Crown Crates Obtained from a Purchase.
The Crown Crate (by Law) is recognised as a 'Random Drop Loot Box' and thus the Sale of these is Prohibited/Restricted in some Countries (my own Included).
So, why can I still walk into the game and buy a Crown Crate?
The Transaction is recognised as an Illegal Purchase (as it was Illegally Sold - Shouldn't have been available).
Just like buying a Lottery Ticket while under 18 (Retailer is held to Account and can be fined).
I know some Companies are slow on the Uptake, but they should no longer show in the Store.
Electronic Arts has had to remove all Loot Boxes from their Storefront for this Country, so time for Zenimax/Bethesda to catch up please.
In some Countries, the 'Random Drop Loot Box' is a 'Restricted' Item, and thus has to follow a set of Rules.
In the case of Elder Scrolls Online, the Attempt of using 'Seals of Endeavour' is that attempt of living inside the rules.
Breach (in my Country): Time Limited Items
To explain why this is a Breach:
> Items cost a lot more than what can actually be acquired within the LoA (Lifetime of Availability) of the Product
> The fact that a Limitation applies to the Item encourages Gambling, and thus promotes the Problem
Action that can be taken in this Case:
> The Company can be fined up to a specific percentage of Income, or a set Value (whichever is higher)
So, when will we see an Update?
P.S.- Crown Crates Obtained from an Event/Mission as a Reward for doing something, those are fine.
Anyone wondering why I posted this here, it's because I was told to put Feedback and Questions into the Forum, as Support didn't have a Response to this matter.
I for one want to be able to purchase items from crown crates, only the ones i need, and i don't want to overpay for them or get anything i don't want.My question is why does it bother you so much? If you don't like them, just don't buy them. If it is a question of legality between the company and your country that is between them, why do you feel the need to get involved?
ive_wonder wrote: »I for one want to be able to purchase items from crown crates, only the ones i need, and i don't want to overpay for them or get anything i don't want.My question is why does it bother you so much? If you don't like them, just don't buy them. If it is a question of legality between the company and your country that is between them, why do you feel the need to get involved?