The Entertainment Software Self-Regulation (short: USK) has introduced new testing criteria since January 1, 2023. Newly submitted video games will also be checked for loot boxes, in-game shops, and more this year. If a game includes such a feature, there will be an additional note in addition to the age rating.
What is this position? The USK is responsible for testing video games and their trailers to decide what age rating they receive in Germany. Criteria are used to determine whether a game, for example, receives an age rating of 0, 6, 12, 16, or 18 years.
What has changed now? As announced in December (via GamePro), the USK now adds an additional note directly under the known age warning for newly released games. This includes warnings about loot boxes and in-game shops.
In Belgium, for example, loot boxes have been legally prohibited for a while. In Germany, the USK is now also taking a step towards stronger monitoring of the controversial feature and even warns of even more critical content.
The assessment of the USK has also helped us find the best games for adults only. This is what the new warnings look like:
New warnings for loot boxes, shops, and chat
What else is being warned about? In addition to shops and loot boxes, the USK now also warns if a game shares location data or includes a chat. Location sharing is particularly a concern with mobile games.
Chats are primarily for communication between players, but uncomfortable situations often arise. Players are harassed, receive unpleasant messages, or it can even become openly toxic, which apparently women notice more:
Why was this changed? The USK states in the corresponding press release that the regulations stem from the new Youth Protection Act from May 2021 and are primarily intended to help families with orientation.
The warnings are meant to help more quickly identify potential risks for young people, such as “unwanted expenses.” The controversy surrounding this was particularly significant with the 2022 release Diablo Immortal.
Blizzard’s mobile Diablo faced criticism for its aggressive in-game shop and its high pay-to-win factor. Those who spent more money could progress faster in the game and outpace their fellow players.
We spoke at the time with “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:
With the new warnings, the USK also aims to provide more transparency. Parents should be able to see “at a glance” why a game received a specific age rating. This allows them to better assess whether the game is suitable for them or not.
How exactly the USK works has also been questioned by gamers themselves, especially with the 2022 release Dying Light 2. The zombie survival game was partially edited for Germany, after the first part had even ended up on the index:
Fan complains because Dying Light 2 was edited – USK gives surprisingly long response
