Linden Lab Official:Gacha policy - Revision history

Keira Linden: /* FAQs */

2025-05-12T15:42:45Z

FAQs

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:42, 12 May 2025
Line 14:		Line 14:
	'''What is the reason for the update to the policy?'''		'''What is the reason for the update to the policy?'''

	~~Linden Lab believes~~ in ~~giving our Residents as much~~ freedom ~~as possible~~ to ~~enjoy Second Life. The latest~~ changes in the ~~legal climate related to gachas and loot boxes have given us an opportunity~~ to ~~lessen~~ the ~~formerly more restrictive policy~~.		The decision to prohibit Gacha in 2021 was following regulatory guidelines emerging globally at the time. We have continued to evaluate what steps we can take to support creative freedom while also ensuring compliance with evolving legal frameworks, which led to the recent changes announced in 2024.

			Since then, the regulatory landscape surrounding Gacha systems has further shifted to the point where Gacha can be confidently reintroduced under current prevailing guidance.

	'''What was the reason for the former policy?'''		'''What was the reason for the former policy?'''
Line 22:		Line 24:
	'''What permissions are required on the gacha or lootbox item?'''		'''What permissions are required on the gacha or lootbox item?'''

	~~Any item being acquired through a gacha machine, vendor, lootbox or similar delivery mechanism must not~~ be ~~transferable to anyone beyond~~ the ~~original recipient of that item~~.		Permissions may be set based on the content creators’ decision.

	'''Does the item being delivered by a gacha vendor have to be “No Transfer”?'''		'''Does the item being delivered by a gacha vendor have to be “No Transfer”?'''

	~~Yes. Any item being sold or delivered out of a gacha vendor must be set as “Next Owner”, “No Transfer”, including the “box” the item may be contained in for delivery purposes.~~		No.

	~~'''How are subscription boxes affected?'''~~

	Subscription boxes are not affected as long as all subscribers are getting the same content box. Different items being sent to different subscribers on a chance basis is now permitted, but must be set as “Next Owner”, “No Transfer”, this includes the “box” the item may be contained in for delivery purposes.

	'''Is a game that requires skill to win the prize you want permitted going forward? For example, you throw a dart and you must hit a certain number to get the prize corresponding to that number.'''		'''Is a game that requires skill to win the prize you want permitted going forward? For example, you throw a dart and you must hit a certain number to get the prize corresponding to that number.'''

	Yes, ~~this would be allowable as long as the prize is set as “Next Owner”, “No Transfer”, including the “box” the item may be contained in for delivery purposes~~.		Yes, and without permission restrictions.

	'''I am selling an item that is known, paid for and delivered to a purchaser, and for each purchaser they are entered into a prize drawing where randomly selected people who bought the item may receive a rare item as a result of the drawing, is this permitted?'''		'''I am selling an item that is known, paid for and delivered to a purchaser, and for each purchaser they are entered into a prize drawing where randomly selected people who bought the item may receive a rare item as a result of the drawing, is this permitted?'''

	~~This is permitted however you must also provide a free, concise and easy way for anyone to enter into the random drawing with an equal chance to win~~.		Yes.

	'''Can I sell an item, and also then include an unknown random item attached as a bonus? For example, like a buy one, get one free (BOGO), but the free item is the random/unknown item.'''		'''Can I sell an item, and also then include an unknown random item attached as a bonus? For example, like a buy one, get one free (BOGO), but the free item is the random/unknown item.'''

	~~This is permitted as long as the free random/unknown item is set as “Next Owner”, “No Transfer”, this includes the “box” the item may be contained in for delivery purposes.~~		Yes.

	~~'''Could a “conveyor belt” system work to continue selling transferable gacha items in accordance with the prior September 1, 2021 policy?'''~~

	Yes. To qualify as a conveyor belt design the vendor must display the item currently being purchased, in addition to a preview of the next two (at minimum) items to follow prior to purchase. Items sold in this manner are permitted to be transferable.

	Example: The vendor board selects an item at random and displays it for purchase. That item remains on display and available for purchase until a buyer touches the vendor which locks it to them for purchase. This allows the buyer to purchase the item and have it delivered. The vendor unlocks, then selects another item at random, displays it for purchase, and the cycle repeats. Example image [https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/File:Example_Conveyor_Belt.jpeg here] and credit to Nadi Vemo for the approved conveyor belt vendor design.

	'''How are breedables impacted by this policy change?'''		'''How are breedables impacted by this policy change?'''

	~~This current policy is not currently being extended to breedables or~~ other life simulation products.		Breedables and other life simulation products are not considered Gacha and are exempt from any requirements of the Gacha policy.

	~~'''Can you further clarify how breedables~~ are ~~safely sold in~~ the ~~current regulatory environment?'''~~

	Breedables should be sold with at least two known traits exposed at the time of purchase. Any two traits qualify (eg. species, gender, color, and other attributes). Alternatively, breedables can be sold as “no transfer” items with no traits identified.

	'''Will popular games like 7seas be impacted by this policy change?'''		'''Will popular games like 7seas be impacted by this policy change?'''

	~~Maybe. While the main fishing game itself~~ is ~~not directly impacted due~~ to the mechanics involved with offering a free to play capability and the fact that the fish received have no value, the game has an open use element that can allow for chance-based content awards that are also enabled through game enhancement purchases. Use of ~~the~~ game to create an element of a buy-in and chance-based outcome, where the caught items have value, must be set as “Next Owner”, “No Transfer”. This includes the “box” the item may be contained in for delivery purposes.		There is no longer any impact to this type of game.

	~~'''We have had our own system of being able to purchase points with L$. You can then use your points on a wheel that you spin to get a random item. Would this be allowed?'''~~

	Yes, as long as the points are not allowed to be used on anything else in Second Life, and the item purchased with those points can not be transferred. The Points must also not be exchangeable for L$ or referred to as a currency.

	~~'''Can any newly developed sales mechanism or newly created items be called “gacha” going forward?'''~~

	~~Yes, the return to use of the terms is now permitted with this policy update as of September 1, 2024.~~

	~~'''How are Linden Homes affected?'''~~

	~~Linden Homes are not impacted by the policy changes.~~

	[[Category:Policies]]		[[Category:Policies]]

Keira Linden: /* Updated Policy Regarding Gacha Transactions */

2025-05-12T15:38:54Z

Updated Policy Regarding Gacha Transactions

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:38, 12 May 2025
Line 4:		Line 4:
	==Updated Policy Regarding Gacha Transactions ==		==Updated Policy Regarding Gacha Transactions ==

	Effective immediately, use of the sales mechanism for content in Second Life commonly known as "gacha" and similar mechanisms, where the results are driven primarily by chance and payment is required to participate in the activity, including, without limitation, lootboxes, is permitted in Second Life ~~with~~ specific restrictions.		Effective immediately, use of the sales mechanism for content in Second Life commonly known as "gacha" and similar mechanisms, where the results are driven primarily by chance and payment is required to participate in the activity, including, without limitation, lootboxes, is permitted in Second Life without specific restrictions.

	Beginning ~~October 8~~, ~~2024~~, Linden Lab is updating the prior general prohibition of the September 1, 2021 Policy Prohibiting Gacha Transactions. Residents may once again engage in selling and distributing content with an element of chance at the point of sale. However, the content being sold and distributed must not be transferable. For avoidance of doubt, the object being delivered as a ~~“gacha” item or “lootbox”~~ and ~~the container (delivery box), including the content itself can not be transferable~~.		Beginning May 6, 2025, Linden Lab is fully allowing gacha as a content creation and sales mechanic in Second Life.

	~~This policy update will be enforced by issuing warnings and/or removing sales objects, vendor systems or other objects that violate this policy. Those who continue to violate this policy~~ may ~~be subject to further disciplinary action, including without limitation, account suspension, termination of accounts,~~ and ~~loss~~ of ~~land.~~		Residents may once again engage in selling and distributing content with an element of chance at the point of sale.

	~~The new restriction against gachas or lootboxes does not apply to “breedables” or other recognized content sales mechanisms as further described in~~ the ~~FAQ. This policy is subject to change at Linden Lab’s discretion.~~

	~~To report a violation~~ of ~~this policy:~~

	~~1. Choose '''Help > Report Abuse''' in the Second Life Viewer.~~

	~~2. Select '''Gaming Policy Violation'''~~

	~~3. Follow the instructions. '''IMPORTANT''': Be sure to include the word "gacha" in your description~~.

	==FAQs==		==FAQs==

Maggie Linden: Updated policy for October 8, 2024

2024-10-08T17:47:56Z

Updated policy for October 8, 2024

Show changes

Derrick Linden at 16:50, 11 November 2021

2021-11-11T16:50:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:50, 11 November 2021
Line 44:		Line 44:
	'''Could a “conveyor belt” system work?'''		'''Could a “conveyor belt” system work?'''

	Yes, but to qualify as a conveyor belt design the vendor must display the item currently being purchased, in addition to a preview of the next two (at minimum) items to follow ~~is known~~ prior to purchase.		Yes, but to qualify as a conveyor belt design the vendor must display the item currently being purchased, in addition to a preview of the next two (at minimum) items to follow prior to purchase.

	Example: The vendor board selects an item at random and displays it for purchase. That item remains on display and available for purchase until a buyer touches the vendor which locks it to them for purchase. This allows the buyer to purchase the item and have it delivered. The vendor unlocks, then selects another item at random, displays it for purchase, and the cycle repeats. [[:Image:Example_Conveyor_Belt.jpeg\|Example image here]] and credit to Nadi Vemo for the approved conveyor belt vendor design.		Example: The vendor board selects an item at random and displays it for purchase. That item remains on display and available for purchase until a buyer touches the vendor which locks it to them for purchase. This allows the buyer to purchase the item and have it delivered. The vendor unlocks, then selects another item at random, displays it for purchase, and the cycle repeats. [[:Image:Example_Conveyor_Belt.jpeg\|Example image here]] and credit to Nadi Vemo for the approved conveyor belt vendor design.

Derrick Linden at 16:43, 11 November 2021

2021-11-11T16:43:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 11 November 2021
Line 43:		Line 43:

	'''Could a “conveyor belt” system work?'''		'''Could a “conveyor belt” system work?'''

			Yes, but to qualify as a conveyor belt design the vendor must display the item currently being purchased, in addition to a preview of the next two (at minimum) items to follow is known prior to purchase.

	Example: The vendor board selects an item at random and displays it for purchase. That item remains on display and available for purchase until a buyer touches the vendor which locks it to them for purchase. This allows the buyer to purchase the item and have it delivered. The vendor unlocks, then selects another item at random, displays it for purchase, and the cycle repeats. [[:Image:Example_Conveyor_Belt.jpeg\|Example image here]] and credit to Nadi Vemo for the approved conveyor belt vendor design.		Example: The vendor board selects an item at random and displays it for purchase. That item remains on display and available for purchase until a buyer touches the vendor which locks it to them for purchase. This allows the buyer to purchase the item and have it delivered. The vendor unlocks, then selects another item at random, displays it for purchase, and the cycle repeats. [[:Image:Example_Conveyor_Belt.jpeg\|Example image here]] and credit to Nadi Vemo for the approved conveyor belt vendor design.

	~~Yes, as long as the item currently being purchased is known.~~ Note however that you should discontinue the use of the “gacha” term for these sales.		Note however that you should discontinue the use of the “gacha” term for these sales.

	'''How are breedables impacted by this policy change?'''		'''How are breedables impacted by this policy change?'''

Derrick Linden at 19:47, 18 October 2021

2021-10-18T19:47:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:47, 18 October 2021
Line 54:		Line 54:
	'''Can you further clarify how breedables are safely sold in the current regulatory environment?'''		'''Can you further clarify how breedables are safely sold in the current regulatory environment?'''

	Breedables should be sold with at least two known traits exposed at the time of purchase. Any two traits qualify (eg. species, gender, color, and other attributes). Alternatively, breedables can be sold as “no transfer” items with no traits identified~~, however any sales mechanism must not involve a random or chance based outcome at the time of purchase~~.		Breedables should be sold with at least two known traits exposed at the time of purchase. Any two traits qualify (eg. species, gender, color, and other attributes). Alternatively, breedables can be sold as “no transfer” items with no traits identified.

	'''Will popular games like 7seas be impacted by this policy change?'''		'''Will popular games like 7seas be impacted by this policy change?'''

Derrick Linden at 20:20, 29 September 2021

2021-09-29T20:20:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:20, 29 September 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{KBmaster}}
			{{Policy Nav}}
	== Policy Prohibiting Gacha Transactions ==		== Policy Prohibiting Gacha Transactions ==

Derrick Linden at 20:15, 29 September 2021

2021-09-29T20:15:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:15, 29 September 2021
Line 70:		Line 70:

	Linden Homes are not impacted by this policy change. Linden Lab owns the homes and they are not transferable.		Linden Homes are not impacted by this policy change. Linden Lab owns the homes and they are not transferable.

			[[Category:Policies]]

Derrick Linden at 18:50, 29 September 2021

2021-09-29T18:50:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:50, 29 September 2021
Line 43:		Line 43:
	'''Could a “conveyor belt” system work?'''		'''Could a “conveyor belt” system work?'''

	Example: The vendor board selects an item at random and displays it for purchase. That item remains on display and available for purchase until a buyer touches the vendor which locks it to them for purchase. This allows the buyer to purchase the item and have it delivered. The vendor unlocks, then selects another item at random, displays it for purchase, and the cycle repeats. [[:Image:~~Example image here~~.jpeg\|Example image here]] and credit to Nadi Vemo for the approved conveyor belt vendor design.		Example: The vendor board selects an item at random and displays it for purchase. That item remains on display and available for purchase until a buyer touches the vendor which locks it to them for purchase. This allows the buyer to purchase the item and have it delivered. The vendor unlocks, then selects another item at random, displays it for purchase, and the cycle repeats. [[:Image:Example_Conveyor_Belt.jpeg\|Example image here]] and credit to Nadi Vemo for the approved conveyor belt vendor design.

	Yes, as long as the item currently being purchased is known. Note however that you should discontinue the use of the “gacha” term for these sales.		Yes, as long as the item currently being purchased is known. Note however that you should discontinue the use of the “gacha” term for these sales.

Derrick Linden at 18:45, 29 September 2021

2021-09-29T18:45:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:45, 29 September 2021
Line 43:		Line 43:
	'''Could a “conveyor belt” system work?'''		'''Could a “conveyor belt” system work?'''

	Example: The vendor board selects an item at random and displays it for purchase. That item remains on display and available for purchase until a buyer touches the vendor which locks it to them for purchase. This allows the buyer to purchase the item and have it delivered. The vendor unlocks, then selects another item at random, displays it for purchase, and the cycle repeats. [[~~File~~:~~Conveyor Belt Design~~\|Example image here]] and credit to Nadi Vemo for the approved conveyor belt vendor design.		Example: The vendor board selects an item at random and displays it for purchase. That item remains on display and available for purchase until a buyer touches the vendor which locks it to them for purchase. This allows the buyer to purchase the item and have it delivered. The vendor unlocks, then selects another item at random, displays it for purchase, and the cycle repeats. [[:Image:Example image here.jpeg\|Example image here]] and credit to Nadi Vemo for the approved conveyor belt vendor design.

	Yes, as long as the item currently being purchased is known. Note however that you should discontinue the use of the “gacha” term for these sales.		Yes, as long as the item currently being purchased is known. Note however that you should discontinue the use of the “gacha” term for these sales.