Well, while Valve had a hand in making that model popular, more so through CSGO, it was really "pioneered" and blown up by EA with FIFA Ultimate Team. Loot box mechanics existed before that even though, I know Maple Story had some.

also gabe didn't invite me to the christening of his superyacht. nor did he invite most of y'all i'm sure. the offensiveness of this small large oversight cannot be measured.