Global Review of Online Video Gaming Policies for Young People: Effectiveness of Age Ratings, Time Restrictions, and Loot Box Regulations

This systematic review evaluates worldwide policies regulating online video gaming for youth, examining age rating systems, gameplay time restrictions, and regulations on gambling-like mechanics (loot boxes). The findings indicate that while age ratings are widely implemented, compliance is poor; time restrictions are easily circumvented; and loot box regulations lack adequate enforcement, leaving consumer protection gaps that require stricter oversight and ongoing research.