Australia’s federal government announced this week that it will push for “all video games containing simulated gambling to be rated R18+,” a move that appears to be the strictest of its kind we’ve seen.
While Belgium’s notorious loot box laws have repeatedly made headlines since they were enacted a few years agothis new Australian proposal takes a slightly different approach and will address all Forms of gambling in video games, not just “surprise mechanisms”.
As The ABC report, Communications Secretary Michelle Rowland is urging the nation’s states and territories to sign off on the plan, which would require any “simulated gambling” game to receive an adult-only rating. That means everything with simulated actually Gambling, meaning things like digital slot machines.
While that would affect some Mainstream titles would see the greater impact of any game that still uses loot boxes, as the proposed legislation “also aims to change the classification rules to require all games with paid loot boxes – where players can choose a box with a random one.” Can purchase in-game item inside – to carry at least a “Mature” M rating.”
If these proposals become law, it would mean selling some of the most successful retail video games in the world, like EA’s FIFA Series, would see their ratings rise from “G” (for general audience) to “M” for “adult.” Note that “M” in Australia means something is recommended for people over 15, meaning games are not legally kept away from children, while the stricter “MA15+” rating legally limits the sale of products to people over 15.
“There is growing community concern about the harm caused by simulated gambling,” says Rowland. “For example, a parent would expect that if their children bought and are playing a game and that game contains simulated gambling, they have a right to know about it.”
they do! And that’s a positive start. Of course it isn’t perfectand can’t hope to meet some of the worst offenders – online spaces like Roblox are notorious for it – but it’s a start. Of course, what that would mean for sports cards and kid’s surprises, both also based on the same principles, is a debate for another day.
