Comment on Australia tightens video game ratings to curb gambling-like content

Australia is rolling out new changes to how video games are classified to crack down on gambling-like content within games. From Sunday (September 22), the new government rules will come into effect which could see games such as Pokémon, Zelda, and Animal Crossing given a minimum classification of M (Mature). The Australian game industry trade body IGEA stated that the updated guidelines define purchases with an “element of chance” as “mystery items players can use real money to buy without knowing what they’ll receive, such as loot boxes.” This means any game with loot boxes that can be bought using real money may receive an M rating, which is recommended for players aged 15 and older, though this is not legally enforced.