Blizzard Wins Bid to Keep Overwatch ‘Loot Box’ Suit Out of Court

Blizzard Entertainment Inc. won a bid to keep a lawsuit over “loot boxes” in one of its games out of court when a California appellate court agreed the minor plaintiff had agreed to arbitrate all claims against the game maker.

An Overwatch player referred to as “B.D” sued Blizzard in March 2020, alleging the company “engages in predatory practices enticing children to engage in gambling and similar addictive conduct.”

B.D. alleges Blizzard profits from creating addictive behavior in kids through in-game purchases known as “loot boxes,” which are randomized chances to obtain tools within the game.

A trial court in ...