The entertainment software self-control (short: USK) has had new test criteria since January 1, 2023. Starting this year, newly submitted video games will also be checked on loot boxes, in-game shops and more. If a game includes such a feature, there is a note in addition to the age rating.
What is this position? The USK is responsible for examining video games and their trailers to decide what age rating they get in Germany. According to certain criteria, a decision is then made as to whether a game will be released for ages 0, 6, 12, 16 or 18.
What has changed now? As already announced in December (via GamePro), the USK is now adding a note to newly released games directly below the well-known age information. These include a warning about loot boxes and in-game shops.
In Belgium, for example, loot boxes have been banned by law for a while. In Germany, the USK is now also taking a step towards increased monitoring of the controversial feature and is warning of even more critical content.
USK’s rating has also helped us find the best adult-only games. This is what the new alerts look like:
New warnings for loot boxes, shops and chat
What else is warned about? In addition to shops and loot boxes, the USK now also warns if a game passes on the location or if it contains a chat. Location sharing is an issue, especially in mobile games.
Chats are actually used for the exchange between players, but unpleasant situations arise here again and again. Players are harassed, get unpleasant messages or even become overtly toxic, which seems to be noticed mostly by women:
3 Twitch streamers pretend to be women in voice chat, are shocked by the reactions: “It takes away the desire to play”
Why was that changed? The USK writes in the corresponding press release that the regulations go back to the new Youth Protection Act of May 2021 and are primarily intended to help families with orientation.
The warnings serve to be able to recognize more quickly whether there is a certain risk for young people, for example due to “unwanted expenses”. The controversy about this was great when Diablo Immortal was released in 2022.
Blizzard’s mobile Diablo was criticized for its aggressive in-game shop and its strong Pay2Win factor. Those who spent more money could gain strength faster in the game and thus overtake their fellow players.
At the time, we spoke to the “Internet lawyer” Christian Solmecke about why Diablo Immortal is actually allowed in Germany. In the video we explain all the important details about the game:
Everything you need to know about Diablo Immortal in 3 minutes
With the new warnings, the USK also wants to ensure more transparency. Parents should be able to see “at a glance” why a game has been given an appropriate age rating. This way they can better judge for themselves whether the game is suitable for them or not.
Gamers have asked themselves exactly how the USK works, especially with Dying Light 2, which was released in 2022. The zombie survival game appeared in Germany in a partially cut version after the first part even ended up on the index:
Fan complains because Dying Light 2 was cut – USK gives a surprisingly long answer