Valve Defends Loot Boxes as Legal and Compares Them to Labubu Blind Boxes

^{A Pop Mart vending machine selling Labubu blind boxes}

Valve Corporation has responded to a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General of New York, in which the developer of Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2 and Team Fortress 2 is accused of facilitating illegal gambling through the use of loot box mechanics.

The case concerns virtual containers with in-game items that players receive at random when opened. Such items are typically cosmetic in nature — for example, weapon skins* — and do not affect gameplay, although some rare items can carry significant market value.

According to the New York Attorney General’s office, these mechanics may violate state gambling laws.

Valve said it disagrees with that assessment. The company added that it has been engaging with the Attorney General’s office on the issue since early 2023 and has already provided explanations regarding the operation of loot boxes.

Valve also noted that products containing randomized items are not unique to video games. As examples, the company cited packs of baseball trading cards and collectible card games such as Pokémon Trading Card Game and Magic: The Gathering, in which the cards are distributed randomly.

The company also referenced Labubu toys sold in so-called “blind box” format, where buyers do not know which figurine is inside the package before opening it.

Valve stressed that opening loot boxes is not required to play its games.

Authorities in Singapore have previously criticized the sale of blind boxes due to similarities with gambling mechanics.

Separately, Valve said it has taken measures against platforms involved in skin gambling. According to the company, more than one million accounts used by such services have been blocked.

Valve added that it would comply with the law if New York authorities introduce specific regulations governing loot boxes.

A final decision in the dispute will be made by the court.

Earlier, Gambling Park reported that MGM China casinos allow players to redeem bonus points for Labubu toys.

* A cosmetic item that changes the appearance of a weapon or equipment without affecting gameplay and may have market value.