Back in March, there were reports that the new Battlefield game would feature loot boxes in some capacity. As it turns out, that won’t be the case. A representative for Battlefield V publisher Electronic Arts told Kotaku, „I can confirm that there are no loot boxes.“
The rumor was that Battlefield V’s loot boxes would contain only cosmetic items, but the statement makes it sound like there will be no loot boxes whatsoever. The last big Battlefield game, 2016’s Battlefield 1, featured loot boxes, as a lot of games today do.
This confirmation that Battlefield V won’t have loot boxes comes after the uproar over how loot boxes factored into Star Wars: Battlefront II–which was made by DICE, the same team behind Battlefield V. Battlefront II’s loot boxes feature items that can actually affect gameplay, so some thought the game became pay-to-win in some capacity.
Now we know that Battlefield V will have no loot boxes at all, and that is good news for some. The game will still have currency that you can buy with real money, though you can only buy cosmetic customisation items, not anything that actually affects gameplay, it seems. What’s more, Battlefield V does away with the franchise’s Season Pass in favour of giving maps to all players for free.
The move away from loot boxes from EA comes as loot boxes face increased scrutiny around the world from industry groups and lawmakers. Some argue that loot boxes constitute a form of gambling because people pay real money for the chance to get an item they are after. Additionally, many games do not disclose loot box odds, though some do.
Battlefield V launches for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Origin on October 19. It will be available in both standard and Deluxe editions; those who purchase the latter will get access to the game three days early, on October 16.
Additionally, EA/Origin Access subscribers can start playing a trial on October 11, which is notable because that is one day before Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 launches on October 12. Prior to its release, EA will also hold an open beta for Battlefield V later this year.
For lots more on Battlefield 5, check out GameSpot’s roundup feature that covers everything you need to know, „Battlefield 5: Release Date, New Features, And Everything We Know.“
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