User:Aeywoo/Video game content rating systems
This article uses trimmed content from this Wikipedia article: Video game content rating system
Video game content rating systems are systems of classification used around the world for video games revolving around the suitability and maturity of a target audience to interact with a specific videogame. Each country has their own overarching board, organisation, private/public company, government statutory body/department or office that is responsible for the assignment of age ratings or age restrictions/limits on videogames both physical and digital, some of these video game content rating systems can also act as motion picture and publication (books, novels, and magazines) rating systems.
Some countries have legally restrictive ratings for age groups like Australia, Canada and the United States of America, and some countries have freedom of speech/expression laws like Germany that prevent legally restrictive ratings, but they still restrict the marketing of high-age rated videogames to anyone below the videogames age group and certain videogames can still be banned or confiscated if deemed necessary by their federal governments.
Video game content rating systems
Australia
Within Australia, video game classification is handled by the Australian Classification Board (ACB), this statutory government board was formed by the Australian Government in 1970, once housed under the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) until its dissolution in 2006, it is now its own respective sub-department under The Department of Communications and the Arts. The ACB is the responsible body for the classification of video games, motion picture films, publications, (magazines, graphic novels, books etc) and any material that is likely to cause a Refused Classification rating, likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult or be unsuitable for a minor to see or read.[1] Australia is one of the few nations to have ratings that are legally restrictive by law per the National Classification Code of 2005,[2] this requires that any video games rated higher than MA15+ (including Refused Classification) are not to be obtainable by anyone under those respective age ratings and any promotional material is greatly limited.
Australian age ratings
| Icon | Age rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Ratings | ||
 |
General (G) |
The G classification is suitable for everyone. G products may contain classifiable elements such as language and themes that are very mild in impact. |
|
Parental Guidance (PG) |
The impact of PG (Parental Guidance) classified films and computer games should be no higher than mild, but they may contain content that children find confusing or upsetting and may require the guidance of parents, teachers or guardians. For example, they may contain classifiable elements such as language and themes that are mild in impact.
PG-rated content is not recommended for viewing by people under the age of 15 without guidance from parents, teachers or guardians. |
|
Mature (M) |
Films and computer games classified M (Mature) contain content of a moderate impact. M-rated films and computer games are not recommended for children under the age of 15. They include portrayals of elements such as violence and themes that require a mature outlook.
However, children under the age of 15 may legally access this material as the classification rating is an advisory category. Parents, teachers and guardians may need to find out more about the specific content before deciding whether the material is suitable for children in their care. |
| Legally Restrictive Ratings[2] | ||
|
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+) |
MA 15+ rated material contains strong content and is legally restricted to people over the age of 15. It contains elements such as sex scenes and drug use that could have a strong impact on the viewer.
A person may be asked to show proof of their age before purchasing or viewing an MA 15+ film or computer game. Children under the age of 15 may not legally watch, buy or hire MA 15+ rated material unless they are in the company of a parent or adult guardian. Children under the age of 15 who go to the cinema to see an MA 15+ film must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film. The parent or adult guardian must also purchase the ticket for the child. The guardian must be over the age of 18 and exercising parental control over the child. |
|
Restricted (R 18+) |
R 18+ material is restricted to adults as it contains content that is considered high in impact for viewers. This includes content that may be offensive to sections of the adult community. A person may be asked for proof of their age before purchasing, hiring or viewing R 18+ films and computer games at a retail store or cinema. |
|
Refused Classification (RC) |
Refused Classification (RC) is a classification category referring to films, computer games and publications that cannot be sold, hired, advertised or legally imported into Australia. RC-classified material contains content that is very high in impact and falls outside generally accepted community standards. |
| Other Ratings | ||
|
Check the Classification (CTC) |
The film or computer game has been assessed and approved for advertising. You should check the classification closer to the release date.
Advertising relating to unclassified films and games must display the CTC message - this includes posters, trailers, internet posts, and any other type of advertising. Once the content is classified, the classification marking should replace the CTC marking on all advertising material. |
References
Article rewritten and edited by: Aeywoo • 