The Federal Trade Commission is hosting a public workshop Wednesday on video game "loot boxes" amid backlash from players claiming it can create a "pay to win" structure. The workshop will bring together industry experts, consumer advocates and others "to discuss concerns regarding the marketing and use of loot boxes and other in-game purchases, and the potential behavioral impact of these virtual rewards on young consumers," according to an event description on the FTC's website. The concept has generated angst among video game players concerned it encourages a "pay to play" atmosphere where gamers must spend money to gain a competitive edge. Loot boxes are rewards players receive within video games containing random prizes. For example, in the Activision Blizzard game Overwatch, loot boxes generate stickers, quotes from characters, and special costumes.

King Digital Entertainment's'Candy Crush Saga' is seen being played on an Apple iPad Mini. A federal lawmaker wants to introduce legislation that would ban "pay to win" practices and "loot boxes" from all video games. In a statement released Wednesday, Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican representing Missouri, said video games offering these systems are preying on user addiction, particularly among children. "When a game is designed for kids, game developers shouldn't be allowed to monetize addiction," said Hawley in a statement. "And when kids play games designed for adults, they should be walled off from compulsive microtransactions."