Australian R18+ Rating: Games "Greater Potential for Harm" than Film
Trade bodies cautiously optimistic for new rating introduction.
Success! The Australian Classification Board has written up a set of Guidelines which will finally allow computer games to be rated with the R18+ category in the country. But domestic trade body the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association has a bone to pick with some of the wording. Specifically, the implication that computer games are more damaging than movies.
The IGEA, while giving the Guidelines a "reserved and qualified welcome" earlier today, is concerned by a segment from the Classification Board that argues that computer games and movies should not be treated the same.
"As a general rule computer games may have a higher impact than similarly themed depictions of the classifiable elements in film, and therefore greater potential for harm or detriment, particularly to minors," reads the segment.
The IGEA released a statement which reads, "As we have previously stated, we are concerned with the acknowledgment in the guidelines that interactivity has greater impact on players, despite the Federal Attorney-General’s office publishing a literature review in September 2010 that found no evidence to support these claims.
"Given the opposition to the introduction of an R18+ category from a vocal yet unrepresentative section of the community, along with a largely conservative group of Attorneys-General, it is no surprise the new guidelines hold video games to a higher standard across a number of categories compared to film and what originally existed for video games.
"Ultimately, we will need to wait to see how the Classification Board interpret and administer the new R18+ and revised M and MA15+ categories. We trust that they will reflect the standards of morality, decency and propriety accepted by reasonable adults, not just the vocal ones."
So, 'cautiously optimistic' is about the sum of things in Australia right now. Given that the R18+ introduction for games was meant to respect game creators and put an end to classification difficulties at the same time, it seems silly to see the Board taking something of a step backwards on the issue.
The IGEA, while giving the Guidelines a "reserved and qualified welcome" earlier today, is concerned by a segment from the Classification Board that argues that computer games and movies should not be treated the same.
"As a general rule computer games may have a higher impact than similarly themed depictions of the classifiable elements in film, and therefore greater potential for harm or detriment, particularly to minors," reads the segment.
The IGEA released a statement which reads, "As we have previously stated, we are concerned with the acknowledgment in the guidelines that interactivity has greater impact on players, despite the Federal Attorney-General’s office publishing a literature review in September 2010 that found no evidence to support these claims.
"Given the opposition to the introduction of an R18+ category from a vocal yet unrepresentative section of the community, along with a largely conservative group of Attorneys-General, it is no surprise the new guidelines hold video games to a higher standard across a number of categories compared to film and what originally existed for video games.
"Ultimately, we will need to wait to see how the Classification Board interpret and administer the new R18+ and revised M and MA15+ categories. We trust that they will reflect the standards of morality, decency and propriety accepted by reasonable adults, not just the vocal ones."
So, 'cautiously optimistic' is about the sum of things in Australia right now. Given that the R18+ introduction for games was meant to respect game creators and put an end to classification difficulties at the same time, it seems silly to see the Board taking something of a step backwards on the issue.
Comments
deleted 13 Sep 2012 11:09
1/2
SPOnG wrote:
So, 'cautiously optimistic' is about the sum of things in Australia right now.
Well done Spong for pointing this out the only gaming site i have read that's not immediately dismissive of this based on the MAY
Sherlocked 13 Sep 2012 22:28
2/2
I don't believe that video games and movies should be treated differently in the sense of ratings. Have you seen some R18+ films? they are much more violent, twisted and graphic then any video game i've seen.
PS - Morons who actually become violent from video games, are ALSO just as likely to draw violent inspiration from movies as well.
Conclusion: stop delaying the issue, we all just want a new rating already!
PS - Morons who actually become violent from video games, are ALSO just as likely to draw violent inspiration from movies as well.
Conclusion: stop delaying the issue, we all just want a new rating already!