Aussie government contemplating R rating for games

The Australian Federal government is contemplating the introduction of the R-18 certification for video games that contain highly explicit content not deemed fit for minors. The absence of such a certification means that titles which exceed the MA certification (only for sale to persons 15 and above) are altogether denied an Australian release.

According to ABC, a spokeswoman stated on behalf of the Australian Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus that the rating would legalize the sale of games with egregious sexual and violent content to people aged 18 and above. The R rating can only be ratified if there is consensus between the Commonwealth, states and territories. There is a meeting of attorneys-generals next month when the issue will be up for discussion.

However, the Australian Family Association has voiced its concerns about the planned R certification. It believes that such video games will pose a greater threat to the users than other R-rated content, as games are intrinsically more interactive than other mediums like movies or publications.

Read [ABC]