Mr. Bump
11.2K posts
Valve has asked the court to throw out the New York Attorney General’s lawsuit, citing Pokémon cards, Happy Meals, and Labubus, accusing the company of illegal gambling through Counter-Strike weapon skin “cases.” The lawsuit claims these mystery “cases” in Counter-Strike 2 and CS:GO let players, including kids, gamble real money by paying for a chance at rare virtual items In a 42-page filing on May 19, Valve says the “cases” do not count as gambling under New York law because players always get a random weapon skin for the money they pay, just like buying sealed packs of baseball cards, Pokémon cards, or the toy in a cereal box. The company says there is no “stake” or chance of losing money, as it is just the surprise element common in collectibles. Valve warns that the Attorney General’s idea could make normal activities illegal, such as parents buying trading cards for their kids or families playing arcade games. The filing notes that these loot boxes have been sold for over ten years without objection from any other U.S. state. Valve wants the court to dismiss the whole case “with prejudice.” If denied, the lawsuit seeks triple damages on billions of dollars Valve made, plus an order to stop sales to New York residents.
Fun fact. In Japan, sumo wrestlers give their autograph to fans as a handprint, created with black or red ink. This centuries-old tradition is called a 'tegata'.
