<p>Following the Government <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/loot-boxes-in-video-games-call-for-evidence/outcome/government-response-to-the-call-for-evidence-on-loot-boxes-in-video-games" target="_blank">response</a> to the call for evidence on loot boxes in video games, the Government has <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/loot-boxes-in-video-games-update-on-improvements-to-industry-led-protections" target="_blank">welcomed</a> new industry-led guidance that aims to protect young people from gambling harm.</p><p>Measures to protect young people should ensure that the purchase of loot boxes should be unavailable to all children and young people unless enabled by a parent or guardian, and all players should have access to, and be aware of, spending controls and transparent information to support safe and responsible gameplay.</p><p>DCMS has published a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/video-games-research-framework/video-games-research-framework" target="_blank">Video Games Research Framework</a> to support high quality independent research into video games, building understanding of the impact of video games, including loot boxes.</p><p>In parallel to the framework, we are now working closely with academics to ensure specific and robust evaluation of the implementation and efficacy of the new industry-led measures on loot boxes in meeting the government’s objectives. We will provide an update following a 12-month implementation period.</p><p> </p>