Australians of all ages are engaging with gaming to relax, learn or connect with friends, but common design features can leave players worse-off – 95% of Australian adult gamers encounter manipulative design practices in digital games, leading to financial losses and emotional distress. 

This report explores:

• how deceptive designs exploit vulnerabilities through tricks, disguised ads, and manipulative tactics
• the impact of gambling-like features such as loot boxes and battle passes
• how in-game currencies mask real-world costs, and
• how some practices target younger players.

The report makes 9 recommendations covering the following areas:

• protect children and other vulnerable players
• make unfair illegal
• improve consumer protection
• standardise disclosures
• enhance privacy protection
• regulate gambling elements.