A new analysis by the Sydney Games and Play Lab has uncovered significant issues with video game age ratings in Australia, highlighting a widespread failure to comply with updated regulations. A year after the introduction of laws aimed at protecting children from loot boxes and simulated gambling, the study indicates that many popular games are inaccurately classified on major app stores.
Led by Professor Marcus Carter from the School of Architecture, Design and Planning, the research found that approximately one in five (20 percent) of the top 100 games on Apple’s App Store are misclassified. The situation is even more alarming on Google Play, where nearly half (48 percent) of the top 100 games carry incorrect age labels. Under the new rules, games featuring loot boxes must be rated M15+, while those with simulated gambling must receive an R18+ classification.
“This is not a minor paperwork issue – this is about protecting children and families,” said Dr. Marcus Carter, a Professor in Human Computer Interaction. He emphasized that parents rely heavily on age ratings to make informed decisions about what their children can access, yet are being misled by inconsistent and often deceptive information on these platforms.
Despite the critical nature of this issue, the penalties for mislabeling games are minimal. Current law imposes a maximum fine of around $6,000 AUD, a figure that pales in comparison to the massive revenues generated by top-grossing games. Many titles earn millions of dollars daily, providing little incentive for publishers to adhere to compliance.
Dr. Leon Xiao, an Assistant Professor at the City University of Hong Kong and an expert on loot box regulations, contributed to the study. He highlighted the fragmented approach to enforcement across state and federal laws in Australia, calling for better coordination among various authorities to ensure that video game companies are held accountable for non-compliance.
The research also revealed alarming instances of multiple conflicting age ratings for the same games. “This is misleading and deceptive conduct designed to induce sales and in-app purchases from children,” Dr. Carter stated. The study examined the top 31 grossing mobile games in Australia and found that only one game maintained a consistent age rating across the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and its privacy policies. In contrast, over half (58 percent) of the examined games displayed four different age ratings simultaneously.
Dr. Carter questioned how parents are expected to navigate this confusing landscape: “One platform says 4+, another says 15+, the developer says 18+. The only consistency is confusion,” he noted. With the laws designed to protect children, he pointed out that the lack of strong enforcement leaves families vulnerable.
The anniversary of the new classification rules on September 22, 2023 serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in enforcing these regulations. The updated laws were implemented following community concerns regarding the risks associated with loot boxes and simulated gambling in games accessible to children. The findings from the one-year review indicate that compliance remains low, oversight is lacking, and penalties are insufficient to drive meaningful change.
Dr. Carter is urging regulators to take action. “This is a systemic failure. The rules are there, but they’re not being enforced. If Apple, Google, and major game publishers can’t or won’t ensure accurate classification, the government must take stronger action.”
To address these issues, the report makes several recommendations, including:
– Implementing stronger penalties for misclassification, scaled to company revenues rather than a flat fine.
– Taking enforcement action against misleading and deceptive age ratings, especially where multiple classifications are displayed.
– Establishing one consistent age rating across app stores, privacy policies, and terms of service in accordance with Australian law.
– Providing clearer guidance for parents, including mandated warnings regarding loot boxes and simulated gambling.
As concerns continue to mount regarding the impact of digital gaming on children, the need for robust regulations and compliance in age ratings has never been more critical.
