Australia is considering implementing stricter age restrictions for games that feature loot boxes, such as FIFA

The Australian government is proposing changes to the national classification scheme, which includes stricter age restrictions for video games featuring loot boxes and simulated gambling games. Under the proposed changes, any game with loot boxes that can be purchased with real money could receive an M rating, including popular sports games such as FIFA and NBA 2K, which typically receive a G rating (for general audiences) in Australia. The changes would not affect games like Hot Wheel Unleashed, which only allow players to purchase loot boxes with in-game currency that cannot be bought with real money.

The proposed changes also include a minimum rating of R18+ for games featuring simulated gambling games, which refers to virtual "social casinos" or poker machines that can (usually through the purchase of virtual currency) consume real money. According to the review document, "gambling providers[in Australia]are prohibited from offering online casino or casino-style apps where players can cash out winnings," leading to the emergence of "simulated gambling games" in their place.

The proposed changes stem from a review of the Australian classification system that began in 2020. The review's report was published recently, and while the proposals related to loot boxes and gambling games are among the most discussed, the report also addresses the Australian Classification Board's well-known strict approach to "impact," particularly with regard to drugs and sex. This strictness has led to games like Disco Elysium and DayZ being refused classification, albeit temporarily.

The report's author, Neville Stevens, recommends that "guiding principles be harmonised at the R18+ level with most of the unique restrictions removed that apply uniquely to games so that these games are available to adults and not refused classification," despite "a few participants" proposing the need for an X18+ category for games. This is a kind of recommendation that, if proposed and accepted, will likely put an end to all video game classification problems in Australia. However, the government seems to be firmly focused on gambling games.