New Australian video game classifications aim to restrict kids' exposure to loot boxes
Popular games like FC25, Madden and NBA 2K will now be rated M
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Video game classifications are set to be overhauled in Australia starting from Monday, September 22 to help curb the exposure of “gambling-like” content. This includes loot boxes and could affect some of the biggest games likeNBA2K,EA Football ClubandMadden.
First introduced last year, the changes to Australia’s Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2023include twonew mandatory classifications– one for games “containing elements of chance” that will be classified as ‘M’ (Mature or not recommended for children under 15 years of age), while games “containing simulated gambling” will receive an R 18+ rating.
According to these new guidelines, the ‘M’ classification is an advisory rating, while the R18+ classification is a legal restriction, meaning only people meeting that age requirement can be sold that game. Here is a quick breakdown of how these new classifications will affect video games going forward:
According to the Australian government, these guidelines will now be in line with those of the rest of the world. TheESRB ratings in the United States(and Canada and Mexico) don’t work off the same system as Australia, although its E (everyone), E+ (everyone 10+), T (Teen), M (Mature 17+) and A (Adults Only 18+) classifications provide a similar result.
While the two ratings systems are similar, the new Australian classifications are actually stricter than that of the ESRB, as they will restrict “simulated gambling” to adults only, while gambling with real money earns the 18+ rating under ESRB classification.
Thankfully only new game releases will be subject to updated classifications, although some existing titles will be reclassified if they’ve added gambling-related content after the guidelines come into effect on September 22.
What does this actually change?
It’s clear that social casino games likeZynga PokerandSlotomania– which solely simulate real-life gambling – will be classified as R 18+. But what about a game likeRed Dead Redemption 2, which has an MA-15+ rating? It has a very realistic Poker game that doesn’t use or require real currency. There are also several futuristic ways to gamble in the recent M-ratedStar WarsOutlaws.
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While, as with any restrictions, there is room for leniency and rule-bending – as there are no actual poker machines – if the guidelines are strict, they would be R 18+ if rated after September 22.There will undoubtedly be stories of games fighting against the Australian ratings board in the coming months, but any step against the normalization of gambling is a positive one. Adults can do as they please, but gambling has long been a societal issue, and Australian children are constantly being bombarded with advertisements from betting agencies.
The real change will come to games aimed, or previously aimed, at children and young teenagers. Previously mentioned sports games likeMaddenandFIFAhave long-used loot boxes as well as kid-friendly mobile games likeSuperMarioRun, but it was reallyOverwatchandStar Wars: Battlefront 2in 2016 and ‘17 that brought them into a negative spotlight. In fact, according to a2020 studypublished in the Plos One journal, the amount of gamers exposed to loot boxes rose from just 5.3% in 2010, to 71.2% in 2019.
There is some proof that loot boxes and similar systems have anegative impact on childrenand thegaming industry is only getting bigger, which means there will only be more little ones playing video games. How well the new classification will help curb them risking 100 virtual coins on a 1% chance to get a golden donkey through a loot box remains to be seen.
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A Digital Content Writer for the Australian TechRadar team, Max covers all things tech and lifestyle and is keen on using tech to make life easier. A 2023 journalism graduate, Max has written across sports, entertainment and business for brands like Zero Digital Media and Valnet.Inc, but found his love for tech in his time at GadgetUser. At home when covering everything from the latest deal and coupon code to the most recent streaming service output, phone or smartwatch, Max excels at using his research, experience and writing ability give you more time to use your tech, not waste time finding it.
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