Australia's Game Rating System Introduces New Standards; Gambling-Like Content Will Affect Ratings

Recently, Australia updated its video game rating standards. Effective September 22, 2024, new ratings will apply to electronic games containing gambling-like content. These changes respond to growing societal concerns about children and research linking video games to real-world gambling issues and psychological and emotional harm. The update applies to computer games, electronic game consoles, mobile games, and tablet games.

PART 1

Regulated Game Types

The new ratings will apply to games falling into the following two categories:

1. Games featuring “in-game purchases with elements of chance” (e.g., loot boxes).

This category includes games where players can directly or indirectly purchase in-game loot boxes or other random rewards (including potential random rewards within battle passes) using real-world currency. Any random reward purchasable with real-world currency is included, regardless of whether it can be acquired through in-game currency earned or gameplay progression.

2. Games featuring “simulated gambling” functions (e.g., casino games).

This category includes social casino games featuring simulated gambling activities, such as slot machine simulators or roulette; games featuring interactive slot machines or other similar casino settings (but does not include electronic games that merely feature casino environments, imagery, or themes without allowing player participation or interaction with gambling activities). Currency in these games cannot be exchanged for real-world money nor traded with other players for real-world money.

PART 2

Rating Criteria

Under the new rating rules, games featuring “in-game purchases with chance elements” (e.g., loot boxes) will now receive a minimum rating of M (Not Recommended for Children Under 15).

For games featuring “simulated gambling” functionality, any game simulating gambling will automatically receive an R18+ rating (restricted to adults aged 18 and over).

Note: The M rating is advisory; there are no legal restrictions on the sale or distribution of these games. The R18+ rating imposes legal restrictions, meaning it is illegal to sell or distribute these games to persons under 18 years of age.

PART 3

Circumstances Requiring Reclassification

Games rated prior to September 22, 2024, generally will not be reclassified. However, games that have been rated may require reclassification if, after September 22, 2024, in-game purchases related to chance elements or simulated gambling content are added that affect the game's rating.

For example:

1. Games rated G or PG after September 22, 2024, that add in-game purchases involving chance elements will likely require reclassification;

2. Games rated G, PG, M, or MA 15+ after September 22, 2024, that add simulated gambling content may require reclassification.

Original source link:https://www.classification.gov.au/about-us/media-and-news/news/new-classifications-for-gambling-content-video-games