cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/19870126
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+].
Why?
Put aside your nostalgia for the game for a minute. Wouldn’t it be better if the game didn’t feature the slot machines? They’re
a) not important mechanically, narratively, or artistically.
b) presenting something socially harmful and addictive with absolutely zero context as to those harms.
c) Potentially some of a generation’s earliest exposure to gambling, and presented as an annodyne game with some mechanical benefits to playing.
The goal isn’t to keep Pokémon out of the hands of kids, it’s to encourage people to not include this stuff in children’s games. Imagine if you could just light a ciggy at some point in the game to give your Pokémon 5 experience points or whatever, it’s a completely gratuitous and possibly harmful.
Iirc the slots got you rare pokemon and skills as prizes. Including one exclusive pokemon. So it’s actively detrimental since it conditions kids to accept gambling as normal.
Thank you government for protecting our children from Pokémon slots. I for one, can trace back my life going downhill to the exact moment I played slots in Pokémon red to get a Porygon. I often wonder what my life would be like if I hadn’t been introduced to such contemptible content at such a young age. Thanks to strong government oversight, our children won’t have to suffer these horrors.
Removed by mod
I lived in Melbourne for many years.
Are you planning on coming back or do you just it just annoy you that the usa isn’t the entire world?
Plan on coming back, mate!
Seems like you’ll hate it. I would’ve thought you’d prefer guns in school and no welfare because governments governing pisses you off.
Chill out please.
Removed by mod
Government governing = censor fake gambling and allow loot boxes? Does everyone in Australia agree with you? I know at least dozens who don’t. Dozens!