Leon Xiao
@leonxiao.com
Assistant Professor @ CityUHK | Loot Boxes; Video Game Law 🎮🎰 | Empirical Legal & Policy Research | Pro Screenshotter 📱📸 | leonxiao.com
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Leon Xiao
@leonxiao.com
· Mar 27
I’m joining City University of Hong Kong as an Assistant Professor. By establishing the Creative Media Policy Observatory, we will ‘scale up’ and conduct more empirical research on video game law and regulation, and also explore the policy issues relating to adjacent creative media industries. 🔬⚖️🎮👾
Wow! Very disappointing to see #LootBoxes and #SkinGambling REMOVED from the Gambling Commission Young People and Gambling 2025 survey.
Other stats just published: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/statistics-a...
Stark contrast to DCMS commissioning a skin gambling report: www.gov.uk/government/p...
Other stats just published: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/statistics-a...
Stark contrast to DCMS commissioning a skin gambling report: www.gov.uk/government/p...
Young People and Gambling 2025: Official statistics
www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
November 14, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Wow! Very disappointing to see #LootBoxes and #SkinGambling REMOVED from the Gambling Commission Young People and Gambling 2025 survey.
Other stats just published: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/statistics-a...
Stark contrast to DCMS commissioning a skin gambling report: www.gov.uk/government/p...
Other stats just published: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/statistics-a...
Stark contrast to DCMS commissioning a skin gambling report: www.gov.uk/government/p...
Not very Epic changes? Fortnite can now support #LootBoxes (or so-called #PaidRandomItems) in the context of user-generated content. BIG U-turn from Epic Games, which previously heavily criticised and removed all randomised in-game purchases from their games and reaped the PR benefits thereof. 🦙🌈⛏️
In Island Transactions Restrictions in Fortnite | Fortnite Documentation | Epic Developer Community
Understand the rules and restrictions for offering in-island purchases to players in different regions in Fortnite.
dev.epicgames.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:43 AM
Not very Epic changes? Fortnite can now support #LootBoxes (or so-called #PaidRandomItems) in the context of user-generated content. BIG U-turn from Epic Games, which previously heavily criticised and removed all randomised in-game purchases from their games and reaped the PR benefits thereof. 🦙🌈⛏️
Grateful to the Society for the Study of Addiction (@addiction-ssa.org) for awarding me the Fred Yates Prize for Early Career Researchers 2025 in recognition of my “significant impact on the regulation of addictive elements in video games.”
November 10, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Grateful to the Society for the Study of Addiction (@addiction-ssa.org) for awarding me the Fred Yates Prize for Early Career Researchers 2025 in recognition of my “significant impact on the regulation of addictive elements in video games.”
New Call of Duty ad breaches its duty to consumers. 🪖🚫🙅🏻♀️ As soon as you walk out of Newcastle train station (26,000 daily visitors): a clear breach of UK @adstandards.bsky.social Advertising Standards Authority rule that advertising for video games must disclose the presence of any in-game purchases.
November 7, 2025 at 4:57 PM
New Call of Duty ad breaches its duty to consumers. 🪖🚫🙅🏻♀️ As soon as you walk out of Newcastle train station (26,000 daily visitors): a clear breach of UK @adstandards.bsky.social Advertising Standards Authority rule that advertising for video games must disclose the presence of any in-game purchases.
“MEPs to discuss protection of children and adolescents online” happening later today (14:30 CET): www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pres.... 🇪🇺
MEPs to discuss protection of children and adolescents online | News | European Parliament
In a hearing on Tuesday, MEPs and guest speakers will analyse key challenges and EU policy solutions to better protect minors in digital environments.
www.europarl.europa.eu
November 4, 2025 at 6:55 AM
“MEPs to discuss protection of children and adolescents online” happening later today (14:30 CET): www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pres.... 🇪🇺
Not sure why and how the factually incorrect idea that "Loot boxes have generally been moved away from" (source: www.eurogamer.net/valve-does-n...) has entered into the public consciousness.
Our results show that loot box prevalence rates amongst mobile games have INCREASED in recent years.
Our results show that loot box prevalence rates amongst mobile games have INCREASED in recent years.
Valve does not get "anywhere near enough criticism" for the gambling mechanics it uses to monetise games, DayZ creator Dean Hall says
Dean Hall, the creator of DayZ and more recently Icarus, has called out Valve regarding the use of gambling-related mon…
www.eurogamer.net
October 30, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Not sure why and how the factually incorrect idea that "Loot boxes have generally been moved away from" (source: www.eurogamer.net/valve-does-n...) has entered into the public consciousness.
Our results show that loot box prevalence rates amongst mobile games have INCREASED in recent years.
Our results show that loot box prevalence rates amongst mobile games have INCREASED in recent years.
Recently, CEO and co-founder of Supercell, Ilkka Paananen, was perplexed as to why the EU wants to regulate the video game industry more (www.linkedin.com/posts/ilkkap...).
Let’s show him.
Let’s show him.
October 30, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Recently, CEO and co-founder of Supercell, Ilkka Paananen, was perplexed as to why the EU wants to regulate the video game industry more (www.linkedin.com/posts/ilkkap...).
Let’s show him.
Let’s show him.
Podcast episode in which I chat with Michael Auer and Jon Bruford about pity mechanics (guarantee you get the rare reward after X tries) in the context of gambling-like products (Labubu, loot boxes, etc.): www.thegamblingfiles.com/captivate-po....
Pity mechanics are a next step for research. Heed!
Pity mechanics are a next step for research. Heed!
Addiction 1: The Psychology Behind Loot Box Mechanics
Hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford explore the Labubu craze and the rise of blind box purchasing, essentially a gambling mechanism that is widely acc...
www.thegamblingfiles.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:40 AM
Podcast episode in which I chat with Michael Auer and Jon Bruford about pity mechanics (guarantee you get the rare reward after X tries) in the context of gambling-like products (Labubu, loot boxes, etc.): www.thegamblingfiles.com/captivate-po....
Pity mechanics are a next step for research. Heed!
Pity mechanics are a next step for research. Heed!
Monetization mechanisms in gacha games: The behavioral triad of pricing strategies, pity systems, and belief of luck
doi.org/10.1016/j.en....
Pity mechanics in gacha and loot boxes are not all fun and games?
Postives: predictable maximum spending; arguably, less random.
Negatives: more spending?
doi.org/10.1016/j.en....
Pity mechanics in gacha and loot boxes are not all fun and games?
Postives: predictable maximum spending; arguably, less random.
Negatives: more spending?
October 27, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Monetization mechanisms in gacha games: The behavioral triad of pricing strategies, pity systems, and belief of luck
doi.org/10.1016/j.en....
Pity mechanics in gacha and loot boxes are not all fun and games?
Postives: predictable maximum spending; arguably, less random.
Negatives: more spending?
doi.org/10.1016/j.en....
Pity mechanics in gacha and loot boxes are not all fun and games?
Postives: predictable maximum spending; arguably, less random.
Negatives: more spending?
For the record, here's the 11 August 2025 order to remove LS v Apple from the CJEU's list of cases following the parties' settlement: eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/4....
EUR-Lex - 62025CB0047 - EN - EUR-Lex
eur-lex.europa.eu
October 24, 2025 at 1:58 AM
For the record, here's the 11 August 2025 order to remove LS v Apple from the CJEU's list of cases following the parties' settlement: eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/4....
Finally, Apple has conceded (slightly) and made it possible for game developers to more easily disclose the presence of #LootBoxes and other gambling-like in-game purchases on their App Store product pages. 🎁 However, obvious improvements are needed!
October 23, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Finally, Apple has conceded (slightly) and made it possible for game developers to more easily disclose the presence of #LootBoxes and other gambling-like in-game purchases on their App Store product pages. 🎁 However, obvious improvements are needed!
Finally got around to the Digital Fairness Act consultation, and it's a mess.
1. There is a feedback and a consultation response option. Unclear as to overlap.
2. I am pasting one sentence into every other field: "Enforce pre-existing consumer law like the UCPD. Fund enforcers. Fund research."
1. There is a feedback and a consultation response option. Unclear as to overlap.
2. I am pasting one sentence into every other field: "Enforce pre-existing consumer law like the UCPD. Fund enforcers. Fund research."
October 22, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Finally got around to the Digital Fairness Act consultation, and it's a mess.
1. There is a feedback and a consultation response option. Unclear as to overlap.
2. I am pasting one sentence into every other field: "Enforce pre-existing consumer law like the UCPD. Fund enforcers. Fund research."
1. There is a feedback and a consultation response option. Unclear as to overlap.
2. I am pasting one sentence into every other field: "Enforce pre-existing consumer law like the UCPD. Fund enforcers. Fund research."
Following multiple requests, we are publicly extending the deadline for the ACM Games: Research and Practice Special Issue on Game Advertising by two weeks to Sunday, 16 November 2025. We look forward to your submission.
October 21, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Following multiple requests, we are publicly extending the deadline for the ACM Games: Research and Practice Special Issue on Game Advertising by two weeks to Sunday, 16 November 2025. We look forward to your submission.
Last week, Spain launched a public information campaign about loot box-related risks. 🇪🇸 Whilst I happened to be in Galicia for the Socidrogalcohol conference, I could not find any ads in the wild. The main campaign video is published: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtJB....
👾 Menos loot boxes, más real gamers
YouTube video by Ministerio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y A2030
www.youtube.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Last week, Spain launched a public information campaign about loot box-related risks. 🇪🇸 Whilst I happened to be in Galicia for the Socidrogalcohol conference, I could not find any ads in the wild. The main campaign video is published: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtJB....
Very pleased to see submissions to the special issue on Game Advertising of ACM Games: Research and Practice coming in.
This is a last call! Deadline is 31 October 2025.
We're looking forward to your submission, and if you need a smol extension… Slide into our emails. 😉
dl.acm.org/pb-assets/st...
This is a last call! Deadline is 31 October 2025.
We're looking forward to your submission, and if you need a smol extension… Slide into our emails. 😉
dl.acm.org/pb-assets/st...
dl.acm.org
October 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Very pleased to see submissions to the special issue on Game Advertising of ACM Games: Research and Practice coming in.
This is a last call! Deadline is 31 October 2025.
We're looking forward to your submission, and if you need a smol extension… Slide into our emails. 😉
dl.acm.org/pb-assets/st...
This is a last call! Deadline is 31 October 2025.
We're looking forward to your submission, and if you need a smol extension… Slide into our emails. 😉
dl.acm.org/pb-assets/st...
FDG 2026
Dates: 10–14 August 2026
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰
Theme: Research through Games; Research for Games
Deadline: 5 December 2025 ❗
fdg2026.org/call-for-pap...
As always, for upcoming conference deadlines check: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Dates: 10–14 August 2026
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰
Theme: Research through Games; Research for Games
Deadline: 5 December 2025 ❗
fdg2026.org/call-for-pap...
As always, for upcoming conference deadlines check: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Call for Papers: Foundations of Digital Games 2026 (FDG 2026) – Foundation of Digital Games 2026
fdg2026.org
October 10, 2025 at 9:47 AM
FDG 2026
Dates: 10–14 August 2026
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰
Theme: Research through Games; Research for Games
Deadline: 5 December 2025 ❗
fdg2026.org/call-for-pap...
As always, for upcoming conference deadlines check: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Dates: 10–14 August 2026
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰
Theme: Research through Games; Research for Games
Deadline: 5 December 2025 ❗
fdg2026.org/call-for-pap...
As always, for upcoming conference deadlines check: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Blind boxes discussed in Hong Kong legislature. Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, confirms that the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362) prohibits, inter alia, misleading omissions.
www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...
This affirms the need to disclose probabilities (%).
www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...
This affirms the need to disclose probabilities (%).
LCQ7: Sales model of "blind boxes"
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Hoey Simon Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (October...
www.info.gov.hk
October 10, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Blind boxes discussed in Hong Kong legislature. Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, confirms that the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362) prohibits, inter alia, misleading omissions.
www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...
This affirms the need to disclose probabilities (%).
www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...
This affirms the need to disclose probabilities (%).
DiGRA 2026
Dates: 14–18 June 2026
Location: Maynooth, Ireland 🇮🇪
Theme: Intersectional Pleasures
Deadline: 1 December 2025 ❗
www.digraconference2026.com
Dates: 14–18 June 2026
Location: Maynooth, Ireland 🇮🇪
Theme: Intersectional Pleasures
Deadline: 1 December 2025 ❗
www.digraconference2026.com
DiGRA 2026 Conference | Maynooth University, Ireland
Join the DiGRA 2026 conference at Maynooth University, 14–18 June 2026. Theme “Intersectional Pleasures.” A global hybrid event for game research, culture, design, and industry.
www.digraconference2026.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:32 PM
DiGRA 2026
Dates: 14–18 June 2026
Location: Maynooth, Ireland 🇮🇪
Theme: Intersectional Pleasures
Deadline: 1 December 2025 ❗
www.digraconference2026.com
Dates: 14–18 June 2026
Location: Maynooth, Ireland 🇮🇪
Theme: Intersectional Pleasures
Deadline: 1 December 2025 ❗
www.digraconference2026.com
Our research on the non-enforcement of the loot box minimum age rating rule led by the Sydney team (@marcuscarter.com; @tianyizhangshao.bsky.social; @darthtayrah.bsky.social; @benegliston.bsky.social) featured in Australian national radio w/ @raejohnston.bsky.social: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr....
October 7, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Our research on the non-enforcement of the loot box minimum age rating rule led by the Sydney team (@marcuscarter.com; @tianyizhangshao.bsky.social; @darthtayrah.bsky.social; @benegliston.bsky.social) featured in Australian national radio w/ @raejohnston.bsky.social: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr....
Great to collab with colleagues at Sydney. Global video game/loot box policy evaluation is an international collaborative effort. Would be great to work with German 🇩🇪, Spanish 🇪🇸, and Brazilian 🇧🇷 colleagues to check (forthcoming) national rules. Please do get in touch with us if interested! 👋🏻
New article in @theconversation.com today reflecting on Australia’s 2024 loot box regulations and how, 1 year later, there remains widespread non-compliance - and generally really confusing age ratings for mobile games on the App Stores!
theconversation.com/loot-boxes-a...
theconversation.com/loot-boxes-a...
Loot boxes are still rife in kids’ mobile games, despite ban on ‘gambling-like’ features
Games with ‘loot boxes’ should be classified for over-15s – but a new study shows many of the most popular mobile games completely ignore the rules.
theconversation.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Great to collab with colleagues at Sydney. Global video game/loot box policy evaluation is an international collaborative effort. Would be great to work with German 🇩🇪, Spanish 🇪🇸, and Brazilian 🇧🇷 colleagues to check (forthcoming) national rules. Please do get in touch with us if interested! 👋🏻
Brazilian President signed the under-18 loot box ban into law (Lei 15.211/25; effective March 2026). 🇧🇷 www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_a...
September 26, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Brazilian President signed the under-18 loot box ban into law (Lei 15.211/25; effective March 2026). 🇧🇷 www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_a...
UK Government publishes a rapid evidence review on #SkinsGambling done by Harris, Griffiths, and Gibson. 🇬🇧
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Unclear why this was commissioned, and what it will be used for.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Unclear why this was commissioned, and what it will be used for.
A rapid evidence review of skins gambling
A rapid evidence review collating evidence regarding the emerging phenomenon of skins gambling.
www.gov.uk
September 26, 2025 at 12:00 AM
UK Government publishes a rapid evidence review on #SkinsGambling done by Harris, Griffiths, and Gibson. 🇬🇧
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Unclear why this was commissioned, and what it will be used for.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Unclear why this was commissioned, and what it will be used for.
Written parliamentary question in Singapore asks for probability disclosures and parental controls to be implemented in relation to #LootBoxes following international precedents. Government says the options will be explored. 🇸🇬
www.mha.gov.sg/mediaroom/pa...
www.mha.gov.sg/mediaroom/pa...
September 25, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Written parliamentary question in Singapore asks for probability disclosures and parental controls to be implemented in relation to #LootBoxes following international precedents. Government says the options will be explored. 🇸🇬
www.mha.gov.sg/mediaroom/pa...
www.mha.gov.sg/mediaroom/pa...
Wrote my first book review on a video game law history book. H-Sci-Med-Tech got quite a few more interesting #GameStudies books up for review!
New on H-Sci-Med-Tech:
Check out @leonxiao.com (City University of Hong Kong)’s review of Julien Mailland’s book _The Game That Never Ends: How Lawyers Shape the Videogame Industry_ pub 2024 @mitpress.bsky.social
#HSTM
Review available @hnetreviews.bsky.social
www.h-net.org/reviews/show...
Check out @leonxiao.com (City University of Hong Kong)’s review of Julien Mailland’s book _The Game That Never Ends: How Lawyers Shape the Videogame Industry_ pub 2024 @mitpress.bsky.social
#HSTM
Review available @hnetreviews.bsky.social
www.h-net.org/reviews/show...
September 25, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Wrote my first book review on a video game law history book. H-Sci-Med-Tech got quite a few more interesting #GameStudies books up for review!
#GachaCon2026 was victim to a rather elaborate and personalised travel booking scam. No one fell for it, but we should raise awareness, as other events might also be targeted.
Scammers took invited speaker information from our call for papers and wrote individual emails pretending to be official.
Scammers took invited speaker information from our call for papers and wrote individual emails pretending to be official.
September 17, 2025 at 6:35 AM
#GachaCon2026 was victim to a rather elaborate and personalised travel booking scam. No one fell for it, but we should raise awareness, as other events might also be targeted.
Scammers took invited speaker information from our call for papers and wrote individual emails pretending to be official.
Scammers took invited speaker information from our call for papers and wrote individual emails pretending to be official.