4mo ago

Aussie Government announces Loot Box and Gambling content classification changes - Vooks

www.vooks.net Aussie Government announces Loot Box and Gambling content classification changes - Vooks

Starting this week.

The Australian Government has announced changes to the way video games are classified in Australia. Starting from September 22nd, 2024, two new rules will apply to games that include “in-game purchases with an element of chance,” such as loot boxes [now M], and games that feature “simulated gambling,” like casino games [now R18+].

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So a game that has a casino in it, regardless of whether it needs the player to spend real money or not, is going to have to be rated R18+? I wonder what this means for games like Mario on the DS or some Mario Party titles.
Also, "in-game purchases with an element of chance," does that mean any element of chance or a chance to not win? As an example, if I spend money for a currency in a gacha game, and then trade that currency for some character pulls, does that count? There is an element of chance, but I am guaranteed to win something. Essentially, I paid for a character, and I still get a character, I just don't know which one I will get. I am curious if there is any nuance to this choice or if they just used the black and white blanket like most politicians do.
EDIT: Also, lol at anyone thinking kids care about the rating system. You all know you played GTA when you were like 7.
- if I spend money for a currency in a gacha game, and then trade that currency for some character pulls, does that count? [...] Essentially, I paid for a character, and I still get a character, I just don't know which one I will get.
  Yes. A real money purchase that leads to randomised rewards counts.
- I think the government could definitely be doing more, but I don't think it's a bad thing to force companies to clearly disclose the nature of their products so consumers can make informed choices.
  
  I think maybe a better thing to do is to include a new label for the cover of the game box and digital storefronts stating something like "This game contains simulated or real gambling," rather than an instant R18+ rating. Mario Party being R18+ for example is a bit excessive, IMO.
  
  That probably would be a better solution. Particularly since the rating system is pretty easy to ignore. And if they do start slapping the R18+ rating on games that don't really warrant it like Mario Party, people will be more likely to simply dismiss the entire system.
  I would hope that the government and ratings board wouldn't be that stupid, but look at how long it took to give us an R rating for video games in the first place.
- Kids don’t care about the rating system, it’s the parents that see the label and second guess their decision.

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