CS:GO released an update on Monday for players located in France. While the update wasn't that big, it was a surprise considering the implications that came with it. In particular the update introduces the x-ray scanner.
So what does this scanner do? According to Valve, the scanner lets users see the items inside any container. Each user's x-ray scanner comes preloaded with a one-time non-tradable exclusive item - the P250 | X-Ray. In order to be able to use the x-ray scanner again, players must first claim the item. As mentioned, this item is limited to users in France.
To use the x-ray scanner, players need to place containers in the scanner in order to see what is inside. This can be done before buying a key. What the x-ray scanner does is it consumes the container in order to reveal the item inside. To be able to use the x-ray scanner again, players must claim the revealed item.
For those familiar with CS:GO, the practice in the past was that players need to pay before knowing what randomized in-game item they get to receive. However, this new function isn't all that perfect. While it does give players the ability to see what is inside, they still need to claim the item. That means they have to purchase a key, though they can opt not to if they don't want the item inside.
Unlike other updates, Valve didn't provide any reason why they were implementing this change. It is clear that this may have been done to answer concerns that have been raised regarding the sale of loot boxes in video games. Regulators from different European countries have started looking closer at this practice. In the UK, for example, the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Committee of the Parliament submitted a detailed report declaring that video games that sell loot boxes need to be labeled as gambling. In the US, a bill has been filed that regulates the practice of selling loot boxes along with microtransactions.
Other games, like Rocket League and Fortnite, have also started finding ways to address this concern. The only difference for CS:GO is that the change so far is limited to one region, France. This new change could be Valve's way of testing if this solution works around the prying eyes of the regulators.
