Australia introduces new “mandatory classifications” for games with “gambling-like” content
Australian
authorities
are
introducing
new
“mandatory
classifications”
for
any
games
that
include
“gambling-like”
content.
As
spotted
by
Vooks
and
reported
by
our
sister
site,
Eurogamer.net,
from
September
22,
video
games
containing
in-game
purchases
linked
to
“elements
of
chance”
–
such
as
loot
boxes
–
or
simulated
gambling
with
be
“legally
restricted
to
adults”
and
automatically
be
rated
R
18+
“at
a
minimum.”
Whilst
holding
a
“mature”
classification
is
merely
advisory,
the
R
18+
rating
makes
it
illegal
to
sell
or
distribute
games
to
people
aged
17
or
younger.
The
changes
impact
all
games
on
PC,
consoles,
phones,
and
tablets.
This
new
ruling
will
not
affect
games
which
feature
casino
settings
but
do
not
allow
players
to
engage
or
interact
with
gambling.
Games
classified
before
September
22
will
not
be
impacted
or
reclassified
unless
they
are
modified
or
require
reclassification,
but
even
games
released
ahead
of
September
22
are
subject
to
reclassification
if
they
introduce
“gambling-like”
DLC.
