Australia revises classification rules related to loot boxes and gambling

Starting next September, all games that include mock gambling, such as social casino games, will receive an R18+ rating. Games of that grade are legally restricted in Australia, meaning they cannot be "sold" to individuals who are not 18 years of age or older. In addition, the minimum rating for games involving in-game purchases related to chance elements with paid loot boxes is M. This grade of games is recommended for people over 15 years old, but M doesn't fall into a legally restricted category, so this is just a suggestion.

According to information gathered before COVID-19, "Australia has the largest per capita gambling loss in the world, with a whopping 40% difference in second place." The aforementioned classification modifications are also the result of an analysis of the Australian Classification Regulations from 2020, and were published in early 2023. 파친코

The decision to implement the above amendments was made throughout the recent meeting of the Permanent Committee of the Ministers of Justice, which involves the Australian Government and the attorneys general of all territories and states. In addition, amendments to the National Classification Code and Classification Recommendations must be agreed without objection by all individual jurisdictions under Australian law.

Although the decision on the amendment has already been announced, not everyone is happy with it. In a related development, Australia's Interactive Games & Entertainment Association expressed displeasure with the decision and confirmed that it would "appreciate the nuances involved and continue to work with relevant government departments to ensure there is a clear agreement on where and how these changes will apply."