Next week, the Australian government will make some pretty big changes to how video games are classified. The new rules will come into effect on September 22, 2024, and could mean games such as Pokemon, Zelda, and Animal Crossing will be aimed at people over 18.
As revealed last year, the Australian government’s new rules crack down on all types of in-game gambling, including loot boxes and simulated gambling. All games with loot boxes that can be purchased for real money are rated at least M. This means that although it is recommended for people over 15 years of age in Australia, it is not legally mandated. All games that feature simulated gambling are automatically designated as R18+ and can legally only be sold to adults.
What is simulated gambling? According to the legislative document detailing the changes outlined by the IGEA, simulated gambling is defined as “similar to or functioning as a real-world age-restricted betting service or gambling service, and “An interactive activity within a game that does not provide a redeemable reward.” You can use currency and exchange it in-game with other players for real-world currency. ”
It’s a bit of a stretch, but basically, if there’s something in the game that could be considered age-restricted gambling if it were happening in the real world, it’s simulated gambling. For example, many of the best Pokemon games allow players to purchase tokens with in-game money and gamble on random chance slot machines to earn more tokens. Because slot machines are a form of gambling, this makes the game rated for ages 18 and over.
A more recent example is Star Wars Outlaws, which is rated M in Australia. As such, it is currently suitable for ages 15+, but can be sold to anyone. At Outlaws, you can gamble in a variety of ways, including during poker-like Sabaccs and betting on the outcome of Fatier races. Both of these are considered simulated gambling, and Outlaws’ rating is automatically increased to 18+.
The guidelines are a little unclear about some vague possibilities. For example, many Zelda games have an NPC that allows you to open one of three treasure chests for 10 rupees. For example, it may contain nothing, or 10 rupees, or 50 rupees. In theory, this would be considered simulated gambling, but it is unclear whether this crosses the line of established limits.
Automatic M ratings for loot boxes also have potential implications for games aimed at children. Pokémon Go is a great example. Currently rated PG (Parental Guidance Recommended) by the Australian Classification Board for ages 9 and up on the iOS App Store, players can purchase coins. Used to purchase incubators used to hatch eggs. The lines feel a little blurry, but eggs in Pokémon GO are definitely a type of loot box, and if classified after September 22nd, the game would likely be given an M rating. .
That’s because the guidelines name this kind of scenario very specifically.
“Video where players can purchase keys and other objects used to open loot boxes and other (random) rewards with real-world currency or in-game currency that can be purchased using real-world currency.” game.”
Thankfully, games classified before September 22, 2024 are exempt from the restrictions and do not need to be automatically reclassified. But that doesn’t mean games like Pokémon Go or Star Wars Outlaws are completely safe. If a game is updated and loot boxes or simulated gambling elements are significantly changed or added, the game must be reclassified and any other requirements for reclassification must also apply to these new rules. Possibly.
