What comes as a shock to many is that Australia is the only developed country without an R18+ rating for video games. Films, which fall under the same classification system, can be granted an R18+ or even X18+ rating but this is not the case for computer and video games. If a game exceeds the MA15+ rating, it is either refused classification or modified to fit within the rating guidelines.
Our classification system needs to be changed so adults can play games as they were meant to be played.
Grow up Australia has become the driving force behind calls for an R18+ rating down under
ign.com
As of February 28th The Commonwealth Government has ceased accepting submissions from the public on the matter of the introduction of an R18+ for computer games. We are now waiting to find out what will result from this public consultation. The topic was discussed by the Standing Committee of Attorneys- General in May 2010 but no decision was made. They did however release a report containing some preliminary figures and information. They have also released some of the submissions made by different organisations including those made by the iGEA, ACL, EFA and ACCM.
The Standing Committee of Attorneys- General will meet again towards the end of the year and will hopefully come to a decision then. In the meantime we continue to raise the public’s awareness of this issue and challenge the negative stereotypes that adult gamers, and gamers in general, endure. To do this we need your help.
Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia
If you’re not familiar with the issue or you would like to know more about it you should visit the Frequently Asked Questions and History sections of the site. If your a parent or guardian we have useful section that will help familiarise yourself with the parental controls available on game consoles
We have a couple of features on our site that will help you stay up to date with developments. Our own Latest Updates and the External News feed. The latter is a list of headlines that link to the latest related articles from selected external websites.
To help us achieve our goal we ask that you conduct yourself in a mature and rational way when discussing the matter, writing letters and posting on news articles, blogs and social networking sites. Additionally, we have a number of Banners you can add to your website or blog, and we also have some Grow up Australia supporter gear available.
Video games are bad for you? That’s what they said about Rock n’ Roll.
Shigeru Miyamoto
If you have any information that you think we should know about please send us an email.
Facebook Group
R18+ Discussion & EB Petition
Steam Community Group