The Australian government will enforce M ratings for loot boxes and R18 ratings for games with gambling by Sept. 2024. Learn more about this move and why governments are stepping in on this issue.
Australian Government to Enforce New System by Sept. 2024
New Mandatory Game Classifications
The Australian government will enforce mandatory minimum classifications for games containing gambling-like content starting September 2024, according to the Minister for Communications. Ratified by a unanimous agreement from Australian states and territories, this move will press stricter regulations and classifications for games that contain in-game purchases, loot boxes, and gambling. The institution asserts that this "is an important step in ensuring children are protected from gambling harm."
Video games that contain in-game purchases linked to chance, such as paid loot boxes will be given a minimum M (Mature) rating, which means that those games are not recommended for children under 15 years old. On the other hand, games that contain simulated gambling, like social casino games, will be legally restricted to adults only, with a minimum classification of R18+.
Governments Step in for Stricter Regulations in In-game Purchases
Furthermore, the Australian Institute of Family Studies emphasizes the need for this stricter regulation. They have found that young people who played simulated gambling games were "40% more likely to spend real money" as they become young adults.
Earlier this year, the European Parliament also took steps towards stricter regulations on loot boxes and votes to take action against loot boxes, gaming addiction and more.
However, this should not come as a surprise as predatory monetization models have become more rampant, adapted by many games. Random chance loot boxes and skin gambling websites have continued to cause great controversies. We’ve yet to see if other countries and institutions would ratify changes to their rating systems, but there is no doubt a movement against the practice as these issues progress in the video game industry.
Sources:
New mandatory minimum classifications for gambling-like games content, Australian Government
European Parliament votes to take action against loot boxes, gaming addiction, gold farming and more, Games Industry
