Video Game Regulation
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Regulation.
Latest coverage
GTA Online’s casino gambling games have been quietly blocked in Australia
Rockstar Games has silently blocked gambling games within Grand Theft Auto Online for players in Australia. This change, which affects the Diamond Casino and its associated activities, is likely a response to Australian laws regarding gambling-like content in video games. The company has not yet officially commented on the removal.
GTA Online in-game gambling is now blocked in Australia
Rockstar Games has blocked in-game gambling features, including blackjack and roulette, for players in Australia within Grand Theft Auto Online. This restriction appears to be a territory-based measure, potentially due to evolving online gambling regulations in Australia. The block also suggests that similar features may be unavailable in Grand Theft Auto 6 for Australian players.
Can new age rating rules prevent a video game ban?
The US age rating body, ESRB, has stated it has no plans to change its current system despite looming video game regulation. This indicates a potential conflict between existing rating practices and new regulatory pressures.
EU ratings board to designate all games with loot boxes with minimum PEGI 16 rating
Europe's PEGI organization will now assign a minimum PEGI 16 rating to all video games that feature purchasable loot boxes. This new policy aims to restrict access for younger players to games containing these monetization mechanics.