Loot boxes, long a contentious issue in the gaming world, are about to face a regulatory crackdown in Australia. Starting Sunday, any game sold with loot box features will carry either an M (Mature) or R 18+ (Restricted) rating, reflecting a shift in the country’s approach to regulating in-game purchases.
For those not in the loop, loot boxes are randomized bundles that players can buy, hoping to snag rare items, outfits, or upgrades. The chances of winning something valuable are often slim, making the experience feel akin to gambling. This has drawn significant criticism, especially in games like Overwatch and Genshin Impact, where valuable items are exceptionally rare. Players often spend significant amounts trying to acquire these sought-after treasures, leading to concerns about the addictive, gambling-like nature of these systems.
While some games limit loot boxes to non-essential, cosmetic enhancements, others integrate them more deeply, impacting gameplay and competition. EA’s sports games, for instance, offer digital versions of top athletes in loot boxes, giving paying players a distinct advantage. Such practices have drawn ire from gamers, particularly when tied to in-game advantages, as seen in Battlefront 2’s “pay to win” controversy.
According to the Australian government, this updated classification is a direct response to “gambling-like content in video games.” Under the new guidelines, any game featuring real-money loot boxes will receive an M rating, restricting sales to those 15 and older. Games with simulated gambling will face even harsher restrictions, earning an R 18+ classification.
This move aligns with Australia’s historically strict game classification standards, aimed at shielding younger players from gambling-like influences. While loot boxes have seen a decline in recent years, this new policy ensures any game incorporating real-money randomness won’t go unnoticed. It’s a significant step in protecting consumers and discouraging addictive spending practices in gaming.