Australian Games Industry applauds R18+ discussion

Mike Bantick
Wednesday, 16 December 2009 05:50

Opinion and Analysis

While we bluster about in the wake of the ISP-Level Filter go-ahead, the Attorney General’s Department finally released the public discussion paper for introduction of an interactive entertainment R18+ Classification.  Unsurprisingly, the Australian Games Industry is happy about this.

What they give they take away.  So it feels with recent Australian Government announcements of the release of a public discussion paper on the lack of an R18+ Classification for video games and the almost simultaneous announcement of the go-ahead for ISP level internet filtering.

On the former however, the local video games industry is happy to see some action after an extended delay.

The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (iGEA) has welcomed the release of a discussion paper on the proposed R18+ classification for video games in Australia. The paper which was released by Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, marks the beginning of a public consultation process that will run until February 28, 2010.

Ron Curry, CEO of the iGEA says that the industry is pleased to have a forum for the arguments to be formally heard and says the paper is well constructed and positions both sides of the argument fairly.

"We've had the unusual situation that the debate was initially stifled by South Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson, who has been a long standing opponent to this classification. We are pleased that the Commonwealth has decided to champion the issue and has agreed to move forward with a formal and structured public consultation process. We will be calling on Mr Atkinson to genuinely consider the range of views that are expressed over the next two months and reconsider his position on the matter."

To introduce an R18+ classification, it requires unanimous agreement from the State and Territory Censorship Ministers. 

"The adult rating for video games is widely supported across the community, whether it be adults who play video games and want the right to play games that appeal to them, parents who want clear and consistent classifications to help them make the right choices for their family, and for the video games industry in light of technology convergence which is blurring distinctions between different types of media."

Australia is the only western country in the world without an adult classification, with the maximum rating currently MA15+. The introduction of an adult classification will bring video games into alignment with other forms of media and content that exceeds the guidelines for an R18+ rating will continue to be refused classification.

"There have been some arguments that an R18+ classification will expose Australia to unlimited high level content, and this is simply not the case. Content will still be refused classification if it exceeds the adult rating guidelines that are enforced by the Classification Board."

I tend to agree with Curry’s statements above, it is scare mongering for those believing the introduction of an R18+ Classification will mean in influx of extreme content themed material to our shelves.  As per the movie industry, game developers understand where the money is, and whilst plenty of niche mature products get made for the R18+ movie audience, it makes more viable market sense to pitch your product to a broader audience.

The iGEA also sent through some helpful pointers for those considering a submission to the discussion.

1.    Carefully read both the Discussion Paper and Submission Template.  For those wanting to do the minimum, the Submission Template allows for an easy way to give feedback to government.  Both can be found here: http://www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification

2.    Ensure that your correspondence is measured and clear. Perhaps have your submission reviewed by a friend who can check it for you?

3.    Don't be abusive or offensive - it will undermine your arguments.

4.    Remember that you are sending a message to people who may not play or understand games, so don't use gamer tags - use your name and be respectful with your choice of words.

5.    Where possible address the arguments highlighted in the paper itself, and make an effort to contribute to the consultation in a meaningful and positive manner.