"Loot boxes are an in-game feature allowing players to buy random mystery items with real or virtual currency, but recent research has found they blur the line between gaming and gambling. The new ratings, taking effect from June, could see games containing loot box systems, such as EA Sports FC, receive a much higher age rating."
"The organisation's changes to this system will see games containing "paid random items" branded PEGI 16 by default. It says in some cases this could rise to PEGI 18. Dirk Bosmans, director of PEGI, said it was "confident" the updates would provide "more useful and transparent advice" for parents and players."
"Without applying the rules to current games the policy will do little to protect the children who are already playing them. Despite concerns about loot boxes, no UK legislation regulates how and where they appear in video games."
The Pan-European Game Information body (PEGI) is implementing new age rating guidelines for video games containing loot boxes across 38 countries, including the UK. Loot boxes are in-game features allowing players to purchase random mystery items using real or virtual currency. Games with these systems will receive a minimum PEGI 16 rating, potentially rising to PEGI 18. The changes take effect in June and aim to provide clearer guidance to parents and players about gambling-like mechanics. However, the new ratings apply only to games released after June, not existing titles. Currently, no UK legislation specifically regulates loot boxes in video games, though the Advertising Standards Authority monitors related advertising.
Read at www.bbc.com
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