A class action lawsuit has been filed against Electronic Arts, asserting that the Ultimate Team mode in its sports games breaks gambling law.
The lawsuit has been filed in the Northern District of California, and specifically cites the state's gambling laws as proof that games such as FIFA and Madden should be governed by them.
The plaintiff is one Kevin Ramirez, who represents a proposed class of more than 100 other individuals, according to court documents seen by VGC.
He is calling for a jury trial and damages of $5 million.
The case claims EA "relies on creating addictive behaviours in consumers to generate huge revenues."
Ramirez himself assets Ultimate Team compelled him to spend money, having spent more than $600 in both FIFA and Madden since 2011.
"EA's Ultimate Team packs are loot boxes," the case reads. "Buying the packs are nothing more than a gambling bet.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...eam-loot-boxes