: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications – Classification Board – Review of Australian classification regulation

Description

I write to target a specific issue regarding the current computer game classification
guidelines, namely the lack of required classification of loot boxes or quasi-gambling
mechanics. This issue was recently addressed in the inquiry and report on Gaming MicroTransactions for Chance-Based Items. Odds-based microtransactions in video games, or “loot boxes,” offer users a chance to get special game items for actual money (i.e., legal tender), as opposed to acquiring this “loot” through in-game achievements. Loot-box purchasers, much like pathological gamblers placing a wager, report an initial rush when opening a loot box and then a wave of regret and shame. The current guidelines consider as classifiable elements: themes, violence, sex, language, drug use, and nudity. This submission argues that loot box or quasi-gambling mechanics should also be considered a classifiable element.

Period	2019
Work for	Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (Australia), Australia, Australian Capital Territory