Submissions are open for an R18+ games classification in Australia

Fuzz's picture
Submitted by Fuzz on Tue, 15/12/2009 - 11:48

Submissions are being sought on whether the Australian National Classification Scheme should include an R 18+ classification category for computer games. Submissions can be made by downloading and completing the submission template. Submissions may also be emailed, snail mailed or faxed. The discussion paper and submission template contain the contact details for making a submission.

Details here: http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=833662

Comments

Hashy's picture

Thx Fuzz

Submitted by Hashy on Tue, 15/12/2009 - 14:40.

Thanks Fuzz, was just gonna put a blog up on this.

Lets do this right. Be mature about this, and leave the Richard Atkinson flaming to the side. ;)

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/game-on-aussies-have-their-say-...

Please circulate this to EVERYBODY. As this is relevant to everybody. Except the kiddies of course. Its all about them, but they have no say in the matter what so ever, we control all. When I was young, that pissed me off so much. Trouble was sometimes I did know what was better for me then adults did hehe. So some of you might want to talk with your older children about this, remember that your making a decision to help protect them. =)

Weather your mum and dad, brothers and sisters, friends and friends of friends game or not, give them a copy of the Discussion Paper , and the Submission Form Template and let them have their voice on this.

Politics doesn’t do anything without the people you know! Time for us to get moving on this one.

Good luck! =)

Kazashi's picture

About time.

Submitted by Kazashi on Tue, 15/12/2009 - 14:42.

I read through the discussion paper this morning (choose the doc or PDF located on http://www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification), I recommend everyone goes through it before putting in a submission. The paper contains details on some of the for and against arguments, but I’ll list them here so you can get started.

Against

  • Computer games should be treated differently from films given the specific, negative effects of interactivity on players, particularly their participation in violent and aggressive content.
  • It would be difficult for parents to enforce age restrictions for computer games.
  • Minors would be more likely to be exposed to computer games that are unsuitable for them.
  • An R-18+ for computer games would exacerbate problems associated with access to high level material in Indigenous communities and by non-English speaking people.
  • There is no demonstrated need to change existing restrictions.

For

  • The R-18+ classification category sends a clear, unambiguous message to parents that the game material is unsuitable for minors.
  • Consistent classification categories for films and computer games are easier to understand.
  • A new classification will supplement technological controls on minors’ access to age-inappropriate computer games.
  • Adults should not be prevented from playing computer games simply because they are unsuitable for minors.
  • Comparable international classification systems have an adult rating for computer games – international parity is desirable.
  • Consumers access games which would be R-18+ illegally – it would be better if they were legally available with appropriate restrictions.

Personally I’m finding the against arguments to be very weak and easily rebutted. So go and have your say!

n0mad's picture

I came across the QLD 0ne a

Submitted by n0mad on Tue, 15/12/2009 - 17:10.

I came across the QLD 0ne a few months ago and th0ugh bl00dy QLD’ers get a say and we VIC’s d0n’t.

I trust that this National 1 is an extension on this QLD 0ne

Anyway I’ll be v0ting YES 0n changing the classificati0n p0licy for Australian released games bringing us inline with such c0untries as EVERYONE ELSE.

n0mad
bl00dy z0mbies – NO
Sh00ting P0liceman – NO

But in GTA I can d0 b0th and run 0ver pedestrians f0r FSAKE…………

Hashy's picture

AVP3 Appeal Successful! Ban Overturned!

Submitted by Hashy on Sat, 19/12/2009 - 10:43.

http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Gaming/Games/D2G2H4E6

Damn right. =)

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