From September 2024, any games featuring simulated gambling (such as social casino games) will be rated R18+. R18+ is a legally restricted category in Australia, and games rated R18+ cannot be sold to people under 18.

Additionally, the minimum rating for “games containing in-game purchases linked to elements of chance, including paid loot boxes” will be M. Games rated M in Australia are recommended for people over 15, but this is advisory only; M is not a legally restricted category.

The changes will only apply to games that are released from September next year, and will not apply retrospectively.

From September 2024, any games featuring simulated gambling (such as social casino games) will be rated R18+
According to pre-pandemic figures, Australia has the greatest per capita gambling losses in the world, and is a staggering 40 per cent clear of second place.

The introduction of mandatory minimum classifications for gambling-related content was one of the recommendations from a review Australia’s classification regulations that was undertaken in 2020 and published earlier this year.

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    • MentalEdge@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      51·
      9 months ago

      We remember it with fondness, and yet, it was the lootbox that started it all.

      Good riddance.

        • MentalEdge@sopuli.xyzEnglish
          41·
          9 months ago

          True enough. But Overwatch was the first big game where they basically got completely ignored as an exploitative mechanic on PC.

          Micro-transactions were for a long time mobile only, then it was free-to-play only.

          Remember, OW was a full-price title. Yet, it still worked like a free-to-play.

  • SuperSpruce@lemmy.mlEnglish
    2·
    9 months ago

    So a game with a harmless in-game poker minigame with worthless chips are strictly adult only, but not games with real money loot boxes specifically designed to addict you and take your money?

    • Dandroid@dandroid.appEnglish
      2·
      9 months ago

      Is poker considering gambling in Australia? In California, it’s considered a game of skill, not chance, so it is not gambling.

      • SuperSpruce@lemmy.mlEnglish
        2·
        9 months ago

        Still, a simulated slot machine with worthless chips is adult only over manipulative loot boxes? This regulation is too lopsided.

    • CouldntCareBear@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      9 months ago

      I’m not sure why they they threw that in… that’s not really a problem as far as I’m aware. Maybe they consider it a gateway to gambling?