Implementation of Mandatory Disclosure for 'Probability-Based Items' in Games

Imprisonment up to 2 Years or Fine for Violations

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that the probabilities of all game items will be transparently disclosed starting from the 22nd. This is a measure to protect the rights and interests of game users based on Article 33, Paragraph 2 and Article 19, Paragraph 2 of the "Act on the Promotion of the Game Industry." Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoon In-chon stated, "The disclosure of probability-type item information is an opportunity to restore the broken trust between game operators and users," and added, "We will do our best with the Game Rating and Administration Committee to monitor and take corrective actions to ensure that the information is properly disclosed."

Probability-type items are items that game users purchase directly or indirectly with payment, where the specific type, effect, and performance are determined by random factors. From now on, those who produce, distribute, or provide game content must display the types and probability information in an easily understandable manner on the game itself and on internet websites. Violations will result in corrective requests, recommendations, orders, and may lead to imprisonment of up to two years or fines of up to 20 million won.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Game Rating and Administration Committee recently distributed explanatory guides related to the disclosure of probability-type item information and held briefing sessions to promote the system's stable establishment. They also met with self-rating classification operators such as Google and Apple to discuss cooperation plans.