Australia proposes R18+ rating for video games with simulated gambling and M-Rating for loot boxes
Australia is proposing a new regulation that would give an R18+ rating to video games with simulated gambling to protect children and problem gamblers
The Australian government is proposing to give video games with simulated gambling an R18+ rating, in a bid to protect children and problem gamblers. The proposed changes will also require all games with paid loot boxes to carry an M-rating, which could impact franchises like the FIFA series.
Some MPs are pushing for games with loot boxes to be rated adult-only. The proposal aims to address growing concerns around the harms of simulated gambling and to prevent players from migrating to real monetary gambling.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has found an association between simulated gambling, loot boxes and problem gambling.