Valve refutes New York authorities' claims of running gambling operations and compares loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 to Labub.

Valve Responds to New York State Government Lawsuit Over Loot Boxes

At the beginning of 2023, in New York under Attorney General Letitia James, Valve was accused of running illegal gambling operations. The lawsuits concerned “pay‑to‑win” loot‑box systems used in popular games Counter‑Strike 2, Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2. According to the accusations, Valve violated the state constitution and criminal law.

What Valve Says
1. Loot boxes are not gambling

Valve asserts that the loot‑box mechanics in its products do not fall under New York’s definitions of illegal gambling. The company had already clarified its position on this issue at the beginning of 2023 and expressed disappointment with the prosecutor’s statement.

2. Context of use

Valve emphasizes that similar mechanisms are widely used outside video games: Pokémon card packs, Magic the Gathering decks, baseball cards, figurines, etc. This demonstrates that random items are not a unique phenomenon in the entertainment industry.

3. No advantage for paying players

“Players do not need to open cases in Valve games,” the company notes. Most users simply enjoy the game without buying loot boxes, and those who purchase them receive purely cosmetic items with no impact on gameplay balance.

4. Concern about consequences

Valve expresses serious concerns about the prosecutor’s proposed measures. “In the end, the court will decide whose position – ours or that of New York’s Attorney General – is correct,” the company said. It warns of potential negative effects for users in New York and other regions.

Conclusion: Valve defends its stance that loot boxes do not violate state law but acknowledges possible legal risks and expects judicial proceedings.