Starting this week.

The Australian Government has announced changes to the way video games are classified in Australia. Starting from September 22nd, 2024, two new rules will apply to games that include “in-game purchases with an element of chance,” such as loot boxes [now M], and games that feature “simulated gambling,” like casino games [now R18+].

  • BadlyDrawnRhino @aussie.zoneEnglish
    4·
    2 months ago

    I think the government could definitely be doing more, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing to force companies to clearly disclose the nature of their products so consumers can make informed choices.

    • RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      2 months ago

      I think maybe a better thing to do is to include a new label for the cover of the game box and digital storefronts stating something like “This game contains simulated or real gambling,” rather than an instant R18+ rating. Mario Party being R18+ for example is a bit excessive, IMO.

      • BadlyDrawnRhino @aussie.zoneEnglish
        3·
        2 months ago

        That probably would be a better solution. Particularly since the rating system is pretty easy to ignore. And if they do start slapping the R18+ rating on games that don’t really warrant it like Mario Party, people will be more likely to simply dismiss the entire system.

        I would hope that the government and ratings board wouldn’t be that stupid, but look at how long it took to give us an R rating for video games in the first place.