If adopted, these guidelines will for the first time introduce an adults R18+ rating for computer games.
Current classification arrangements
Currently in Australia, computer games are classified according to requirements under the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games Act 1995 (the Classification Act) and an agreement between the federal and state and territory governments. Under the Classification Act, publications, films and computer games are classified in accordance with a national classification code and classification guidelines. The classification code sets out principles for classification decisions. Effectively, these are that as much as is possible adults should be able to read, hear and see what they want, while minors should be protected from material that may be likely to harm or disturb them and the community in general should be protected from material people find offensive.
