A modern classification scheme for video games
We recognise the vital role that Australia and New Zealand’s classification schemes play to help game players and their parents and carers to make informed choices about what to play. Our industry supports these schemes through strict compliance and dialogue with regulators. However, as these classification laws and policies were design in a pre-digital age, we encourage reforms to modernise how games are classified, including the expanded use of classification tools and a greater role for our responsible industry to take.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Supporting and promoting online safety in video games
Our industry has a track record of making video games that are played in a fun and safe way. Game companies offer a range of tools, controls and settings that empower players and give parents the ability to control what games their children play, when and how they play games, and whether they communicate with others. We support sensible and appropriate online safety laws, and we will continue to work together with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner and New Zealand’s Netsafe on community awareness-raising.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Constructive engagement on digital health
We engage positively in policy and academic dialogue around screen time and digital health. We believe that video games should be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle. Of the two-thirds of Australians and New Zealanders who play video games, the overwhelming majority do so in a healthy and responsible way. To support this goal, our industry has a longstanding history of providing tools that allow game players and their parents and carers to monitor and manage screen time more effectively.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Continuing to fight the stigma around violence
During the 1990s, video games were stigmatised by some politicians, commentators and parts of the media as a cause for real-world violence. Unfortunately, this still happens even today. However, the overwhelming scientific consensus over decades of research is that there is no link between games and real-world violence or aggression. Regardless, we continue to support the role of the Australian and New Zealand classification schemes so that children are not exposed to content that is not age appropriate.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Demystifying in-game spending and loot boxes
Video games use diverse and innovative revenue models to meet the different preferences and budgets of players. Some games, including many successful Australian games, use in-game spending. All gaming platforms provide controls for players and parents to manage in-game spending. Loot boxes (which contain randomised digital items) were reviewed by an Australian Senate Committee in 2018 that found that they were adequately regulated. Regardless, our industry continues to listen and implement new measures to increase the transparency of loot boxes. Further, as our industry naturally evolves, we’re seeing that loot boxes are becoming less common as publishers adopt new and different revenue models.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.
Responsible management and protection of player data
Video games could not exist without data. Not only is data largely used by game developers to make their games better for players, but the use of personal data for this goal is a core expectation of players. The video games industry treats its responsibility to protect the data of its players as among its highest priorities, including by leading the digital industry in the pseudonymisation of their players through ‘gamer tags’. Future data regulation should take a clear but flexible principles-based approach that encourages good privacy practices, while avoiding overly prescriptive rules that will become out of data, stymie innovation, impose unreasonable red tape, or even have unintended negative impacts on privacy.
Please read our full policy brief on this topic.