Australian gambling regulators are considering whether pay-to-win "loot boxes" in video games constitute gambling and may be in breach of state laws. The recent release of Star Wars Battlefront 2, one of the year's gaming blockbusters, has renewed a global debate about the convergence of gambling mechanisms and video games. Authorities in Belgium and a legislator in the United States have both expressed concern about Battlefront 2's reliance on loot boxes, a randomised system of reward that can help a player progress through the game. The game's progression system relies significantly on the boxes, which can be purchased using real money to give the player equipment and "star cards" with varying levels of effectiveness for their character. A character may, for example, get lucky and unlock an ability to cause significantly more damage.

"Assassin's Creed: Origins" has been safe from pirates for a month now thanks to its anti-tamper technology. The technology is the same one found in "Star Wars Battlefront 2" and other games that haven't been cracked by pirates so far. So what made this 1-month milestone possible for "Assassin's Creed: Origins"? According to DSOGaming, this was made possible by the latest Denuvo anti-tamper technology. On top of that, Ubisoft has apparently added VMProtect to the mix.

If you've already paid $60 for a video game, haven't you spent enough? That's the question Electronic Arts, or EA, the maker of games including the Madden NFL series, FIFA and Battlefield, has to answer after angering customers who eagerly anticipated one of its biggest holiday releases, "Star Wars: Battlefront 2." On top of the "Star Wars"-themed action-shooter's $60 list price, the game included micro-transactions, which enabled players to spend real-world money on in-game items such as "loot crates" -- essentially a mystery box filled with perks. Although video games have long allowed players to spend currency on cosmetic purchases such as special costumes, "Battlefront 2" players were upset to learn that a trial version of the game let them spend money to bolster their characters. Those who opted against paying were at a disadvantage and simply had to "grind" -- that is, play for many hours -- to achieve similar powers or unlock marquee characters such as Darth Vader. Players accused EA of engaging in pay-to-win practices.

EA has released a new trailer for "Star Wars Battlefront 2" and it appears to confirm all the game modes and maps for the upcoming sci-fi shooter. EA has also released the minimum PC requirements for the upcoming Beta, which will commence next weekend. The brand new trailer for "Star Wars Battlefront 2" is being narrated by actor John Boyega, who plays Finn in "The Force Awakens" and the upcoming "The Last Jedi" films. The five-minute trailer shows off some new footage, as well as some infographics showing that "Battlefront 2" will indeed have three times the number of locations and vehicles of the 2015 "Battlefront" game. The trailer also touts the new single-player campaign mode, which was actually what Boyega was asking from the 2015 game.