Online gaming is one of the biggest revenue streams in the digital entertainment market. Many different online games are currently available to play all across the globe. The implementation of gambling features in these online games has not gone unnoticed, especially by the Australian government, which takes it upon itself to ensure the safety of its players through new rating systems.
This article aims to shed light on the new approach Australia is taking concerning online gaming platforms that include some form of wagering or betting features, outlining the automatic 18+ rating on these games, shedding light on the importance of category systems for online games, outlining how Australia aims to protect its players and then some legal changes that may appear over the next few years. So, without further ado, it's time to dive in.
Automatic 18+ Rating on Games That Include Gambling Features
Online games have thus far experienced a relatively weak legal landscape globally, however, countries and continents are able to make their own laws regarding online gaming platforms to meet the needs of their own people and this is something that Australia has taken extremely seriously.
The Australian government has noted that over the past few years games that were typically only seen as online entertainment games have actually started to incorporate wagering or betting features. This can be seen as a wagering wheel to see how many free gems you get to continue playing or even a slot feature that appears on certain stages of a game. Experts have honed in on this topic to give the government some form of legal advice to follow but also to shed light on what online games are meant to be. One such expert, Erik King claims that safety should be at the forefront of all digital games, whether that is a slot game that offers lucrative bonuses or one that just has interesting features, either way, safety should be the main focus and this is certainly something that Australia is showcasing.
Games that are now published that do include gambling features will automatically get an 18+ rating. Naturally, this means that only players who are able to prove that they are 18 years and older will be able to engage in these games.
For the games that are currently released and include wagering features, they may still be on the old legal landscape which constitutes them as a different category system, which will be further outlined below, however, should any of those be re-released, they will be privy to the automatic 18+ rating. Seeing as digital games need to stay competitive and therefore often re-release, within a few months, all games should be accurately categorized.
The Importance of a Category System
The importance of a category system in Australia cannot be understated. This is Australia's number one way to ensure that online games suit the actual preferences and demands of players. It is also a way for there to be some sort of control over what online games feel they're allowed to publish. Furthermore, there is a checklist of sorts that games need to adhere to to fall within the correct category. Should they have wagering features and not inform the legal board of this, there could be serious ramifications for the platform.
Australia, however, does support the idea of online gaming, however, it's just that it needs to be safe. Therefore, they have come up with quite an interesting category system. As you noticed above, there is the 18+ category system which limits gaming to individuals who are 18 years and older. Furthermore, they also have an interesting category called the 'M' category which only allows players who are 15 years and older to play. So, for the games that perhaps include features of fighting or car racing, these may be categorized as an M option.
Australia's Aim to Protect its Players
Australia is being praised for its aim to protect its players and its people. Online gaming can have a serious impact on its players and a lot of users spend quite a few hours a day actively playing, therefore, they are susceptible to the things that they learn on these platforms. By having age restrictions, the government can have some kind of control over what players see and at what age they see these things.
The main aim for Australia is to keep a safe and secure space for players. It aims to have some form of control over which games are being published. In a country where wagering features come with 18+, online games will think twice before adding small features like this, as it could greatly reduce the amount of viewership they receive. Therefore, the Australian government now has some form of control over what is published, which is quite a smart tactic.
How This May Change Over the Next Few Years
It's hard to say how this industry will change over the next year. However, with people becoming more infatuated with online gaming, the rise of globalization, advanced technologies, impeccable gaming software and being able to play from anywhere at any time, chances are that online gaming is certainly not going to show any signs of stopping.
Therefore, it is a good assumption to think that Australia might become more strict with its protocols to keep more control over this ever-changing and evolving industry.
