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Aussie Government announces Loot Box and Gambling content classification changes - Vooks (www.vooks.net)
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by Kelly@lemmy.world to c/games@sh.itjust.works
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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+].

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[-] BadlyDrawnRhino@aussie.zone 14 points 2 months ago

I think the major difference between the two is that in video games, the cost of the loot boxes is deliberately obfuscated through the use of whatever single-use currency the publisher has dreamed up, and made worse by the fact that the currency is only purchasable in select denominations, meaning you're always spending more than you're going to use.

You're not wrong that there are plenty of examples of physical "loot boxes" marketed at children, but at least with those you know exactly how much it costs straight up.

I wish our government would look into the actual predatory practices that these publishers are using in these games, but this is a good first step. At least the EU is looking into it.

[-] Robust_Mirror@aussie.zone 3 points 2 months ago

I still don't know how half the games at timezone can be allowed for kids.

this post was submitted on 17 Sep 2024
131 points (99.2% liked)

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