Safer online gaming
Check out our essential tips for parents and young people to ensure positive and safe online gaming experiences.
In-app purchases and loot boxes
Online games often offer players the opportunity to make purchases within the platform and win random rewards. Find out what you should know about loot boxes to avoid unexpected charges.
Share this
Last Updated29/07/2024
Loot boxes in gaming
Loot boxes are virtual items in video games that players can either purchase or earn through gameplay.
These boxes contain random rewards, such as in-game currency, cosmetic items, or other virtual goods.
The contents of a loot box are not known until it is opened, introducing a chance element that resembles gambling.
For more information about loot boxes, the Classification Office provides a useful guide for parents and families. This guide can help you navigate the world of gaming: Understanding loot boxes(https://www.classificationoffice.govt.nz/resources/items/understanding-loot-boxes-a-guide-for-parents-and-wh%C4%81nau/).
In-app purchases on mobile games
Most mobile games are free to download and are often supported by advertisements displayed during gameplay. Another prevalent method developers use to recuperate the costs of game development is through offering in-app purchases.
These purchases offer extra content or subscriptions that can be bought within the app. Indicators for the availability of in-app purchases are usually found near the “Get” button when installing the app.
Managing in-app purchases
If you are concerned about in-app purchases and want to restrict this capability, both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store offer guides on how to add passwords to manage purchases.
Follow the instructions below to set these up:
Manage in-app purchases on the Google Play store
- Open the Google Play store app
- Tap menu settings
- Tap require authentication for purchases
- Choose a setting
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Manage in-app purchases on the Apple app store
- Go to Settings > Screen Time, then tap 'turn on screen time'
- Tap 'continue', then choose “This is my [device]” or “This is my child’s [device]”
- Tap 'content & privacy restrictions'. If asked, enter your passcode, then turn on 'content & privacy'
- Tap iTunes & app store purchases
- Tap in-app purchases and set to don’t allow
The full guide from Apple is available here.(https://support.apple.com/en-nz/102470)
Contact Netsafe
If you're experiencing harm while gaming online, Netsafe is here to support you.
Our helpline is free, confidential and non-judgmental - providing expert advice and assistance seven days a week.