The Australian Government has announced changes to the way video games are classified in Australia. Starting from September 22nd, 2024, two new rules will apply to games that include “in-game purchases with an element of chance,” such as loot boxes [now M], and games that feature “simulated gambling,” like casino games [now R18+].
This comes into effect pretty soon. I expect a few titles will get caught in the transition.
God I hope so, its a cancerous scheme and encourages using a phone while driving.
Games that have already been classified prior to September 22nd aren’t affected by this unless they need to go through classification again, however I’m going to laugh if Pokemon Red & Blue are rereleased on the Switch 2 at some point in the future and get slapped with an R18+ rating 😂
So a game that has a casino in it, regardless of whether it needs the player to spend real money or not, is going to have to be rated R18+? I wonder what this means for games like Mario on the DS or some Mario Party titles.
Also, “in-game purchases with an element of chance,” does that mean any element of chance or a chance to not win? As an example, if I spend money for a currency in a gacha game, and then trade that currency for some character pulls, does that count? There is an element of chance, but I am guaranteed to win something. Essentially, I paid for a character, and I still get a character, I just don’t know which one I will get. I am curious if there is any nuance to this choice or if they just used the black and white blanket like most politicians do.
EDIT: Also, lol at anyone thinking kids care about the rating system. You all know you played GTA when you were like 7.
if I spend money for a currency in a gacha game, and then trade that currency for some character pulls, does that count? […] Essentially, I paid for a character, and I still get a character, I just don’t know which one I will get.
Yes. A real money purchase that leads to randomised rewards counts.