IEAA Applauds Agreement to Public Consultation on R18+ Classification for Computer and Video Games

Sydney, Australia – 28 March 2008 – The Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA) has welcomed the news that the Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) has agreed to public consultation in regards to the introduction of an R18+ classification for computer and video games in Australia. 

Ron Curry CEO of the IEAA says, “We believe this public consultation will ensure that the Classification Act better reflects contemporary community standards and attitudes. Our belief is that good legislation comes from a reflection of community sentiment, and we wholeheartedly support the process that Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls is outlining as it gives us the opportunity to move the R18+ classification for computer and video games into the public forum for discussion.”

“Since the creation of the computer and video games scheme in the mid 1990s, the community attitude towards an R18+ classification has only been tested once – during the guidelines review in 2001/02.

“Community response to the guidelines review in 2001/02 was strongly in support of an R18+ classification for computer and video games and research by Bond University in 2005 and 2007 also indicates that the Australian community strongly supports an R18+ classification for computer games.”

“The IEAA maintains that the introduction of an R18+ classification will more accurately reflect the true nature of people who enjoy interactive entertainment. 70 per cent of people using computer and video games are aged 18 and over, while 20 per cent are 39 years and over. It seems amiss that Australian gamers are prevented from playing games adults in other countries can freely access.”

The IEAA believes that the introduction of an R18+ classification for computer and video games will harmonise the national scheme, mirroring the classifications for films and magazines. This will provided a consistent and uniform system, allowing consumers to make educated and informed decisions on their entertainment choices, regardless of the medium or delivery method.

In Summary

The Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA) believes that the introduction of an R18+ classification is essential to:

• Future-proof the computer and video games industry in light of technology convergence which is blurring distinctions between different types of media;

• Cater to the rising age of computer and video game players in Australia, allowing adult gamers to be treated as such and have broad choice in the types of games they play;

• Provide parents with a complete toolkit to manage children’s game playing; and

• Bring Australia into alignment with the rest of the world.