Backlash grows against new Star Wars video game's loot-box feature

San Francisco

A NEW Star Wars video game is coming under fire for a feature that essentially allows money instead of skill to determine who wins.

Game giant Electronic Arts has been criticised for its "loot boxes", a money-making tactic that typically offers digital items such as stylish outfits for characters or decorations for in-game abodes. Until recently, game makers were careful to require players to rely on skills for weapons or abilities that could help beat challenges or adversaries.