Linden Lab Official:Gacha policy
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 without specific restrictions.
Beginning May 6, 2025, Linden Lab is fully allowing gacha as a content creation and sales mechanic in Second Life.
Residents may once again engage in selling and distributing content with an element of chance at the point of sale.
FAQs
What is the reason for the update to the 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?
Linden Lab had adopted the previous policy to mitigate potential risk that may arise from a changing legal climate related to gachas and loot boxes.
What permissions are required on the gacha or lootbox 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”?
No.
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, 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?
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.
Yes.
How are breedables impacted by this policy change?
Breedables and other life simulation products are not considered Gacha and are exempt from any requirements of the Gacha policy.
Will popular games like 7seas be impacted by this policy change?
There is no longer any impact to this type of game.