The South Australian Government has passed laws that will allow the creation of an R18+ classification for computer games, brining the classification system for video games into the same method used for film.

 

The passage of the laws are the result of a 10 year long negotiation between Commonwealth, States and Territories, and follow an extensive consultation period.

 

“The consultation process carried out by the Commonwealth showed overwhelming support for an adult classification for computer games,” State Attorney General John Rau said.

 

“The R18+ classification brings Australia into line with the classification systems in many overseas

countries.

 

“In particular, games that are classified as R18+ overseas should no longer be modified in an attempt to fit within the MA15+ classification here. These games will properly be restricted to adults.

 

“This is likely to lower the risk of games that contain high levels of violence being available to minors."

 

National guidelines, to come into effect from 1 January 2013, will also bring in new criteria for MA15+ games. These include:

  • Strong and realistic violence should not be frequent or unduly repetitive
  • Sexual violence is not permitted
  • Sexual activity and nudity must not be related to incentives or rewards
  • Aggressive or strong course language should be infrequent, and not exploitative or offensive
  • Drug use related to incentives or rewards is not permitted
  • Interactive illicit or proscribed drug use is not permitted