Playing Video Games With Loot Boxes

16-7-2018 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalaam alaykoum,I have a question about video games that contains loot boxes is it allowed for me to play those games if i avoid using those loot boxes.for example i just play the game and never buy or open a loot box.

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If it is possible to benefit from the game in a permissible way without having to commit something prohibited or help others commit something prohibited, then then there is no harm in this.

You mentioned that playing this game does not necessarily require buying the loot boxes. After investigation it appears that these boxes are virtual boxes that show up whilst playing and include prizes that are not predefined or known to the player until he prepays for them, either by a credit card or electronic money. Once the player buys these boxes he will either win something he needs or discover that what the boxes have is of no use or benefit to him (in the game) and he had therefore paid money and did not benefit; this is pure gambling and it is prohibited.

However, as long as the game does not necessarily require indulging in such gambling, as you mentioned, then there is nothing wrong in playing the game in a permissible manner. However, we advise you not to spend too much time on such games and to beware of wasting your time or committing anything prohibited as a result of playing these games.

Allah knows best.