The Australian Senate has revealed its decision to support a campaign that will end up in a vote on a controversial issue related to loot boxes and in-game items. The vote on the matter, which should be placed as a matter of investigation by a committee enquiry today, seeks to decide on whether loot boxes in video games could be considered a form of gambling, and whether they are appropriate for children and younger audiences.
Senator Jordon Steele-John revealed in a press release that he had long been calling for the Federal Government to make a review of the controversial loot boxes, especially when taking into account the raising concerns which local gamers have shared over the last twelve months.
The support which the Australian Senate gave to the motion would push the Government to more actions on the matter. Today, the Environment and Communications References Committee that is currently engaged in some inquiries into the content available on streaming, radio and broadcast services. The Committee is also reviewing the ongoing and future effects of climate change on building, housing and local infrastructure and is having an investigation on loot boxes.
A representative from the office of Senator Steele-John also shared that the Senate would give its support to the motion without a special vote or debate on the matter. On the other hand, a representative of the Government spoke on the matter, revealing that they also think that loot boxes and other in-game items available in video games need to be examined more closely. They also revealed that Mitch Fifield, the Communications Minister, has recently had a discussion on the matter with several colleagues of his.
Loot Boxes in Video Games Could Be Dangerous to Children
As far as the motion against loot boxes in video games is concerned, the support provided by the Green Party, the Labour Party and the Federal Government on the matter would make it very likely for the issue to be carried tomorrow. If this happens, the initiative could result in a more serious nation-wide debate on the use of in-game items such as loot boxes.
Senator Steele-John said in a special release for the press that he had some major concerns related to the adequacy of the existing customer protection measures and the current regulatory framework regarding monetised game mechanics. He further explained that his concerns are also boosted by the fact that such gaming options are easily accessible to children.
Recently, some researchers from Australia and New Zealand published a special study which was focused on video games and loot boxes in order to raise problem gambling awareness, especially as far as children are concerned.
The release of the research on video games and in-game items coincided with the decision of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to finally add gaming disorder to the list of mental health disorders, and raised some questions associated with the psychological effects that video gaming and loot boxes could have on players, especially on younger audiences.
- Author
Daniel Williams
