NationStates Jolt Archive

Source (http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,23282288-5014239,00.html)

THE controversial R18+ classification for games is still opposed by at least one state attorney-general, a spokesperson has confirmed.

The issue of introducing an R18+ classification for games will be raised at the next Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) on March 28th. It has been off the political agenda since 2005.

At present, any game that exceeds an MA15+ rating must be refused classification in Australia.

The classification system can be modified if there is agreement from the Commonwealth and all state and territory attorneys-general.

But a spokesperson for Michael Atkinson, the South Australian Attorney-General, has confirmed that he will maintain his long-running opposition to the proposed system.

"The Attorney-General remains very firmly opposed to introducing an R rating for computer games in Australia," the spokesperson said.

Minister Atkinson would not consider an 18+ rating even if there were measures to protect children from being exposed to adult content, the spokesperson said.

"He doubts whether any safeguards could be put in place to deter young people, who after all (are) the most computer literate and savvy in our society, from being able to access material."

Most international videogame rating systems have an adult or 18+ category.

The Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA) has called for a more consistent ratings system to "bring Australia into alignment with the rest of the world".

"Harmonisation of the national classification scheme will provide Australians with a consistent and uniform system," the industry body said in a statement.

"(This) will allow consumers to make educated and informed decisions on their entertainment choices, regardless of the medium or delivery method.

"It will provide parents with a complete toolkit to manage children's game playing."

Last year, a study by Bond University for the IEAA found that more than 50 per cent of Australian gamers were aged over 18, making the average age 28.

"An R18+ classification will cater to the rising age of computer and video game players in Australia, allowing adult gamers to be treated as such and have broad choice in the types of games they play," the IEAA said.

It's so stupid that we have an almost completely unified ratings system for games, TV and movies... except for an adult rating for video-games :(

I think it's stupid that you have government-imposed rating systems in the first place.

I'm not sure how much of a difference an 18+ rating makes for video games, really. I've never noticed them being much more than an extra decoration on the box.

I'm not sure how much of a difference an 18+ rating makes for video games, really. I've never noticed them being much more than an extra decoration on the box.

Any game that exceeds MA15+ is refused classification, and sale becomes illegal.

Any game that exceeds MA15+ is refused classification, and sale becomes illegal.
Precisely, hence why for a few weeks it was impossible for me to buy GTA:SA after the Hot Coffee thing, and I was 20 years old. I could legally go to a prostitute, but I can't watch some badly done 3d figures going at it. :rolleyes:

What I find especially strange is that he seemingly has no problems with games rated MA15+. Also he admits to children being tech savvy and being able to get their hands on the games if they weren't banned, but they can just download or import a lot of them.

I think technically importing a banned game is illegal, but customs don't usually enforce it and possession is fine.

EDIT: Apparently possession is not fine in the Northern Territory or Western Australia, it still doesn't stop anyone.

I blame TV violence :p

Kinda stupid, if you really want a game - you can probably legally buy and download from an on-line source from another country hence bypassing these stupid classifications. Then there's the less-than-legal methods of course.

This is what happens when governments get their grubby, ignorant hands on any form of mass media.

Let the industry regulate itself, and friggin' let parents do their own jobs. If their kids turn out to be wrecks because they were allowed to play GTA, then who's fault is that? The developers, who clearly stated that such games are not appropriate for children, or the parents who ignore them and buy them for their kids anyway?

It's not the governments place to tell me what I can or cannot play, or watch, or read, or think. If you're so concerned, then start a program to educate parents. Beyond that, you have no right. Good day sir!

I! SAID! GOOD! DAY!