A user on Reddit has reported that upcoming Australian video game releases will feature a disclosure statement indicating they have in-game purchases, though this practice appears to have been in place for at least a year now.
Saying, “no news sites have reported this”, user BeforeJam cites Australian Board Classification decisions on the likes of Avengers, FIFA 21, PGA Tour 2K21 and Madden NFL 21 and points out an “in-game purchases” label found under “Consumer Advice”. The trouble is, a search of titles like FIFA 20 show the same label. All titles listed above also show the same label alongside their classification on physical packaging.
We’ve gone to the Australian Classification Board for comment on the matter and will report back when that’s received.
Update: The Australian Classification Board has confirmed that the disclosure of in-game purchases has been required since August 2019.
“The Board commenced using the consumer advice of ‘in-game purchases’ for computer games in August 2019,” an ACB representative confirmed with Stevivor. “The display of this consumer advice is as per the requirements for display markings and consumer advice under the Act.
“When applying to the Board for the classification of a computer game, applicants are required to disclose details on whether the game contains in-game purchases.”
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