News

R18+ rating finally ratified in Australia, to debut on 1st January 2013
Posted: 19.06.2012 06:41 by JonahFalcon Comments: 3
The R18+ videogame rating has finally been formally ratified as the appropriate legislation passed in Federal Parliament. The rating permits adults-only games to be released in Australia; in the past, games could only receive an M15+ rating or be banned.


According to Home Affairs Minister Jason Claire, "These are important reforms over 10 years in the making. The R18+ category will inform consumers, parents and retailers about which games are not suitable for minors to play and will prevent minors from purchasing unsuitable material. The reforms also mean that adults are able to choose what games they play within the bounds of the law."

The other benefit of the R18+ rating for videogames is that it will allow the Australian ratings board to classify all media to a single set of criteria.

All that is left is for each of the state and territory attorney-generals to pass their own complementary legislation to ensure that R18+ computer games are appropriately regulated, with the national classification to activate on the 1st January, 2013.
Source: News.com AU

Comments

By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jun 19, 2012
herodotus
Saw this on the ABC news early this morning and it's good news for all of us, particularly South Australians where a State Bill was going to be passed making [MA15+] games available for sale only to those over 18 years.
What this means for games currently rated [MA15+] though is of serious concern, for retailers and gamers alike as games like "CoD 2013" (working title:D) may be rated [R18+] from this point on.
Also of concern, and we really need to know the details of this is part of the statement released:

"The reforms also mean that adults are able to choose what games they play within the bounds of the law."

What "...within the bounds of the law." will mean in practice is what concerns me, as while Aussies get away with more than some countres in other media, this is a whole new ball game. Children and the effects on children will once more be in the spotlight and censorship will yet again raise it's ugly head.
Overall great news, we have finally left the 18th Century, but I've never seen censorship work without a downside. We will all be watching this channel closely.
By nocutius (SI Elite) on Jun 19, 2012
nocutius
Good news for Australian gamers, it was about time.

I was always kinda surprised how conservative Australia is (seems to be) when it comes to these things.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jun 19, 2012
herodotus
When children and the public's reaction to what might be perceived to be harmful to children are concerned, Australia takes nothing more seriously believe me. Unless of course it involves the welfare of detained refugees, then the Gov't couldn't give a crap.