Australian games industry makes its case for 18+ rating

Australia's Interactive Games & Entertainment Association has made its submission to the Attorney-General's department requesting the introduction of the proposed R18+ classification for videogames.

The country is currently the only Western one to have certificate 15 as the highest rating a game can be awarded - a rule that has led to the censorship of games including Left 4 Dead 2 at the end of last year.

"Australia needs an adult rating so adults can play games that are age appropriate for them and parents can make educated choices for their families based on clear, consistent guidelines," said iGEA CEO Ron Curry. "With the deadline for submissions closing on February 28, we urge the community to make their voices heard in support of an adult classification."

A number of recent polls have shown a huge majority of people support the new R18+ rating and retailer EB Games recently promoted an in-store petition calling for the government to amend the law.

According to a News Limited poll, 95.5 per cent of the public were in favour of the new rating. A Fairfax poll returned a majority of 97 per cent, and an Interactive Australia 09 report by Bond University found 91 per cent of both gamers and non-gamers supported the rating.

"There have been some claims an R18+ classification will expose Australia to unlimited high level content but this is simply not the case. The Classification Board will still refuse games that exceed the adult rating guidelines," added Curry.

"An R18+ classification is essential to protect consumers whilst providing them with the full information to make educated decisions about their entertainment choices."