R18+ Videogame Rating in Australia

[stompy]

In Australia, the SCAG is a meeting that occurs every few years, between our Attorney Generals. This time around, the issue of the R18+ rating was raised [http://www.kotaku.com.au/games/2008/02/aussie_government_considering_r18_rating_for_video_games.html]. If you don't know, we Aussies don't have an R18+ rating, and the only way this can change is there is a unanimous decision between our Attorney Generals.

Chances are, we won't get it, because Michael Atkinson, the South Australian Attorney General, won't allow it, due to his belief that the R18+ rating needs to be kept out, in order to 'protect the children'. Funny thing is, most Aussies support the inclusion of an R18+ rating [http://www.ieaa.com.au/5.research/top_10_player_facts.html].

My question is, what do you think of it?

 

[Ultrajoe]

give it time, so far i have not seen a 3 year old i couldn't out-shoot, so im not worried as yet.

and even if we got the rating, would it stop early teens getting their hands on the games?

 

[stompy]

and even if we got the rating, would it stop early teens getting their hands on the games?

Most likely not, but it would allow games like Manhunt and ilk to be sold in Australia. And games like GTA 4 not be censored.

 

[Skooba Stevos]

I've said this before, but let me re-iterate the FACTS people.

VIDEO GAMES DO NOT AFFECT PEOPLE!!!

1: Don't they realize that video games are not just played by 7 years olds who got scared by Finding Nemo? Heres some interesting facts: http://www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.php

2: What about movies? Does a game, which is still trying to achieve near realistic graphics, affect people as much as movies. How come movies are allowed to put whatever content they feel free? If we put all the "naughty" stuff into unplayable cutscenes, would it get past the watch dog?

3: There is no link between violence among youths and video games. It was stated in an independent research that: "In a time when video games became a major part of many young people's lives and were enjoyed in record numbers, homicide arrest rates fell by 77 percent among juveniles, school shootings remained extremely rare, and students had less than a 7 in 10 million chance of being killed at school." (http://www.videogamevoters.org/learnmore/gamesandviolence/)

So, for purely the above reasons, there is absolutely no justifiable reason why Australia shouldn't have an R18+ rating. For gods sake, I think that would protect the kids! Some people need to wake up and start listening to the people.

 

[Fire Daemon]

This is not about Video games affecting people (you missed the point more than if you aimed in the air and the point was in a differant country althoghther), it is about Australian having an R 18+ rating so we can get games that deserve the R 18+ licensce. Prototype and the uncenscored GTAIV come to mind. This is so that Australia will be able to have more adult titles, allowing us to not miss out on some really good games.

Please note however that most of American R17+ titles are only MA15+ here. It will take alot of "extreme content" games in a small amount of time to cause any change. But you never know what might happen.

 

[Saskwach]

This is not about Video games affecting people (you missed the point more than if you aimed in the air and the point was in a differant country althoghther), it is about Australian having an R 18+ rating so we can get games that deserve the R 18+ licensce. Prototype and the uncenscored GTAIV come to mind. This is so that Australia will be able to have more adult titles, allowing us to not miss out on some really good games.

Please note however that most of American R17+ titles are only MA15+ here. It will take alot of "extreme content" games in a small amount of time to cause any change. But you never know what might happen.

This is an issue that, I think, should ENCOURAGE the wackoes who are "protecting the kiddies" to make an R18+ rating. Shit that shouldn't be MA15+ is rated that way because the R18+ isn't available and out-and-out banning is rare. It means parents are MORE not LESS likely to buy games unsuitable for their kids.

 

[Fenixius]

and even if we got the rating, would it stop early teens getting their hands on the games?

I should hope it does. Since 18+ is technically a "Restricted" rating under OFLC conventions, it is legally REQUIRED that an ID check is performed before the Restricted Content is sold. Of course, people could still import or whatever, but that's not got anything to do with the OFLC and our rating system.

This is an issue that, I think, should ENCOURAGE the wackoes who are "protecting the kiddies" to make an R18+ rating. Shit that shouldn't be MA15+ is rated that way because the R18+ isn't available and out-and-out banning is rare. It means parents are MORE not LESS likely to buy games unsuitable for their kids.

Exactly, Saskwatch. Bioshock was 17+ elsewhere, and here it was MA15+, with no change to content.

I actually wrote a letter to the OFLC outlining the reasons that the R18+ rating should exist for games. If you guys want, I could copy-paste it here, as well as the link for you guys to post it. I got a bunch of my friends and clan-mates to do also send it off.

 

[Kedcom]

It annoys the hell out of me. I can't wait for it to be changed as it will ultimately will be. So why wait eh?! Just introduce the 18+ certificate now already!

 

[Saskwach]

and even if we got the rating, would it stop early teens getting their hands on the games?

I should hope it does. Since 18+ is technically a "Restricted" rating under OFLC conventions, it is legally REQUIRED that an ID check is performed before the Restricted Content is sold. Of course, people could still import or whatever, but that's not got anything to do with the OFLC and our rating system.

This is an issue that, I think, should ENCOURAGE the wackoes who are "protecting the kiddies" to make an R18+ rating. Shit that shouldn't be MA15+ is rated that way because the R18+ isn't available and out-and-out banning is rare. It means parents are MORE not LESS likely to buy games unsuitable for their kids.

Exactly, Saskwatch. Bioshock was 17+ elsewhere, and here it was MA15+, with no change to content.

I actually wrote a letter to the OFLC outlining the reasons that the R18+ rating should exist for games. If you guys want, I could copy-paste it here, as well as the link for you guys to post it. I got a bunch of my friends and clan-mates to do also send it off.

Definitely post it. I'd like to see what you say.

 

[Fenixius]

I posted this as the first post in another forum. If you like my letter, send it off to the OFLC as per the instructions in the post below.

I'm tired of the Office of Film and Literature censoring my most beloved form of media. I have therefore decided to lodge an official complaint with the Office, and urge anyone who shares my opinion to do the same. If you disagree with me, please tell me why. I'd love to have a discussion with you.

My letter of complaint is as follows:

As it stands, there are no Restricted ratings for videogames and interactive media.

Having stated that, there are such Restricted ratings for other forms of media.

The OFLC's ratings system is therefore inconsistant across all forms of media, which is a hyprocrisy that must not be allowed to continue.

The defense of this denial of liberty is that it is in aid of the protection of minors from potentially harmful content, citing the fact that videogames are assumed to have more of an influence on people than other forms of media.

I argue, as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia, that this is fundamentally flawed.

The purpose of a Restricted rating is to prevent the distribution of potentially harmful content to minors.

This is therefore perfect for violent/sexual videogames.

If it is believed that such intense material would come into the possession of minors, despite the Restricted rating, then why is there a Restricted rating for books, or movies, or any other form of media?

Since it is illogical for material that is classified in every developed country in the world except Australia to continue to be refused classification, I urge the OFLC to allow for restricted ratings for videogames.

Please discontinue such practises that deny adults the choice to view what they want under private circumstances.

If people who share my point of view would spent a moment to copy and paste my letter (with any modifications you feel like making) into the box at the bottom of the complaints page on the OFLC website [http://www.classification.gov.au/special.html?n=1&p=227], filling out the rest of the page as you see fit, and sending it off to the Board, I'd be very thankful.

If you disagree with me, as I said above, please let me know, that I might discuss with you why you feel that it is important to limit the choices of adults.

 

[jim_doki]

While i'm all for allowing more games to be sold in this country, let us not forget the stigma attached to the R rating. what was the last R rated movie they showed in Australian mainstream cinema? In this country R rated magazines are sealed in opaque plastic bags, which many publishers see as a death mark. R rated games, being that they are surrounded by games specifically for children, will suffer the same fate meaning gamers will have to recognise it by the title, and if you're a casual gamer that could be not enough information. they won't allow screenshots (possibly a plot summary) on the bag. meaning only hardcore gamers who've done their research will know what their buying. this will affect gaming sales, they wont sell well, making gamesellers wonder if its worth stocking them, meaning we wont get them anyway

Just food for thought

 

[Knave283]

I think that, if parents are smart, then this shouldn't be a problem. Australia doesn't need an R18+ rating, yet. We might need one soon. Also, store clerks that sell games should be more vigilant in checking ID. I am 16, and in the last 3 years, I have bought numerous MA15+ games. I have been asked for ID a grand total of 1 time. Most of those games were bought at EB Games as well. Vigilance is the key, not another rating level.

 

[Eyclonus]

The problem is that too many people in Oz still view video games as, to quote that stagnant old fart the Hon Mr. Howard, "Un-Australian".
Although most gamers are within 6 years, up or down, of 30. The mass message we hear all the time is that we're an outdoors country.
Michael Atkinson is pushing this anti-R 18+ thing to boost himself. Practically every other AG considers it a non-issue.


Aside: Anybody here seen the videos that devs make of games to be shown to censors?
Its like between 15-60 minutes of nudity, swearing, crime, "questionable content" and every possible death animation.
I've seen about 10 minutes of the Manhunt 1 video...

 

[sma_warrior]

I just sent an email outlining how Mr.Atkinson's views were illogical to his public office email address:

croydon AT parliament DOT sa DOT gov DOT au

 

[sma_warrior]

While i'm all for allowing more games to be sold in this country, let us not forget the stigma attached to the R rating. what was the last R rated movie they showed in Australian mainstream cinema? In this country R rated magazines are sealed in opaque plastic bags, which many publishers see as a death mark. R rated games, being that they are surrounded by games specifically for children, will suffer the same fate meaning gamers will have to recognise it by the title, and if you're a casual gamer that could be not enough information. they won't allow screenshots (possibly a plot summary) on the bag. meaning only hardcore gamers who've done their research will know what their buying. this will affect gaming sales, they wont sell well, making gamesellers wonder if its worth stocking them, meaning we wont get them anyway

Just food for thought

Ever been through the DVD section of any retailer recently? You'll find R18+ titles easy enough

 

[stompy]

Actually, the reason why this topic is really in the mind (besides the obvious one), is that I had to write a speech on an issue, so I ended up writing it on this issue. If you guys like, I could link it up. Be warned though, it's ~1400 words.

 

[Fenixius]

1400 words do not scare me. POST IT!!

 

[PurpleRain]

We need it. Now! Do it or I'll be grumpy. (folds arms and taps foot)

We're missing out on so much down here due to our governments ignorence. Sad world isn't it.

 

[Saskwach]

Actually, the reason why this topic is really in the mind (besides the obvious one), is that I had to write a speech on an issue, so I ended up writing it on this issue. If you guys like, I could link it up. Be warned though, it's ~1400 words.

Do it, stompy. You don't want to see Purps grumpy...