The USK rating board has announced that some new rules for the classification of video games will come into force on January 1, 2023. A main focus is on loot boxes in video games.
There are no changes to the basic assessment of video games for classification into the various USK classes. So violence, sexuality or things like self-justice are still criteria. But now also included in the classification are purchase options in the game and even the online communication with other players.
Loot boxes and chats in focus
Loot boxes have received a lot of attention in the media and politics in recent times. Often, loot boxes were equated with gambling and thus the respective youth protection law should apply. But also the possibility to communicate with other players, both via chat and voice chat, is an important and new criterion for classification. However, the general presence of an in-game shop is not a criterion for a high USK rating.
More information on the USK label
In the future, the USK label will not only contain the age rating and be color-coded, but will also list the reasons for the classification. So from 2023 you will be able to read "In-Game Purchases" or "Chats".
To what extent further adjustments will be made during the year is still open. But the USK rating board has already mentioned that changes will arise over time.
