It is looking like it might be time for game developers to start reconsidering what has been one of the most profitable systems ever introduced into gaming. Belgium, the Netherlands, and South Korea have all taken harsh steps to punish or pursue punishment of Loot Boxes. South Korea handed out massive fines to companies like Nexon, the Netherlands is prepping fines and possible bans against PUBG, Dota 2, Fifa 18, and Rocket League, and Belgium’s Gaming Commission is pushing criminal prosecution for EA, Blizzard, and Valve. On top of that, Washington state and Hawaii lawmakers are pushing for laws against Loot Boxes in those states.

The wheels are in motion, and the sentiments from governments against Loot Boxes is no longer just suspicious – it is outright hostile. The Belgian Gaming Commission has been particular aggressive in recent months following the April release of a report on Loot Boxes. Although EA in particular has continually defended Loot Boxes, once matters are taken to the courts, opinions will no longer matter.

The report stated in clear details how Belgium feels about Loot Boxes in Valve, EA, and Blizzard games.

While Belgium hasn’t stated what difference there is between operators of games of chance and operators of illegal games, the threat is clear. The Belgium government is being recommended by the Commission to take a hard line against Loot Boxes. That line might not stop at the developers either. If they determine that publishers are also a part of the problem for disseminating pro-gambling materials, they may take action against them as well.

The chain reaction that could be set off by laws or decisions passed by any of these governments could be catastrophic, especially considering how many games currently operate using Loot Boxes. We could see dozens of lawsuits from across the globe going after developers and publishers, and in addition to costing millions in fines and legal fees, the cases will give a permanent black-eye to an industry that is already taking a beating.

Valve recently lost its battle against the Australian government in regards to return policies the company had on games. Despite fixing the policy in 2015, Valve was still found liable for the years it operated illegal policies on returning games. By the same measure, governments could aggressively pursue game companies based off their records of egregious and obvious promotion of gambling through Loot Boxes. That means even after a company fixes issues, it is in their best interest to appease and make nice with governments. The Australian government was particularly harsh against Valve who it felt was knowingly misleading consumers and fragrantly violating Australian law.

Public opinion is also vastly against Loot Boxes. In April, Middle-Earth: Shadow of War took out Loot Boxes after months of outcry from the community. From the start, the community had been angered at Loot Boxes being added to a single-player experience. In a blog post, Monolith explained they had “been listening to [player] feedback” and were ready to make positive changes in the game.

This news followed the removal of Loot Boxes from Star Wars: Battlefront II after what had been months of anger from the gaming community following the most hated post in the history of Reddit.

It seems clear to everyone but the people shoveling in their piles of Loot Box money – the system needs to go. When the community hates it and when government officials have begun knocking on doors, it is time to retire or dramatically overhaul. Let’s be honest game developers, you’ll find another way to get money from us.

It’s time to let Loot Boxes die.