The government of Australia has proposed major changes to its national classifications system for video games. According to a recent press release, the changes would introduce a mandatory classification of R18+ of games with simulated gambling elements, and a classification of M (15+) for games with paid loot boxes.
As reported by ABC News, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland cites growing concerns about the harms of simulated gambling on children as the impetus for the proposal. The changes could impact games that include gambling elements as part of their narrative, or casino style mini-games.
“We want to be very clear and very binary in this regard, and the certainty that is provided by a proposal that says if there is simulated gambling in a game, then it is subject to a particular rating,” Rowland told ABC News. “That is the clearest indication that we can give not only to consumers, but also to industry.”