Video Games Industry Applauds Release of R18+ Discussion Paper
Gamers Get an Early Christmas Present with Release of Discussion Paper
Sydney, December 15, 2009 - The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (iGEA) has
welcomed the release of a discussion paper on the proposed R18+ classification for video
games in Australia. The paper which was released by Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan
O’Connor, marks the beginning of a public consultation process that will run until February
28, 2010.
Ron Curry, CEO of the iGEA says that the industry is pleased to have a forum for the
arguments to be formally heard and says the paper is well constructed and positions both
sides of the argument fairly.
“We’ve had the unusual situation that the debate was initially stifled by South Australian
Attorney General Michael Atkinson, who has been a long standing opponent to this
classification. We are pleased that the Commonwealth has decided to champion the issue
and has agreed to move forward with a formal and structured public consultation process.
We will be calling on Mr Atkinson to genuinely consider the range of views that are
expressed over the next two months and reconsider his position on the matter.”
To introduce an R18+ classification, it requires unanimous agreement from the State and
Territory Censorship Ministers.
“The adult rating for video games is widely supported across the community, whether it be
adults who play video games and want the right to play games that appeal to them, parents
who want clear and consistent classifications to help them make the right choices for their
family, and for the video games industry in light of technology convergence which is blurring
distinctions between different types of media.”
Australia is the only western country in the world without an adult classification, with the
maximum rating currently MA15+. The introduction of an adult classification will bring video
games into alignment with other forms of media and content that exceeds the guidelines for
an R18+ rating will continue to be refused classification.
“There have been some arguments that an R18+ classification will expose Australia to
unlimited high level content, and this is simply not the case. Content will still be refused
classification if it exceeds the adult rating guidelines that are enforced by the Classification
Board.”
*Interactive Australia 09 report by Bond University, based on a random sample of over 1600
households found that the average age of a gamer in Australia is 30 years old. The research
also found that almost two-thirds of adults surveyed were unaware that Australia does not
have an R18+ classification and 91 per cent of gamers and non-gamers believe the
classification should be introduced.
-Ends-
About the iGEA
The Interactive Gaming & Entertainment Association proactively represents companies that
publish, market and/or distribute interactive games and entertainment content. The iGEA
aims to further advance the industry and the business interests of its members through
informing and fostering relationships with the public, the business community, government
and other industry stakeholders. The iGEA is administered by a Board of Directors and
supported by the CEO, Ron Curry. The iGEA was formerly known as the Interactive
Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA).
Media Contact
Corrie McLeod
Espresso Communications
Mob: 0419 526 848
Email: corrie@espressocomms.com.au
Available for comment
Ron Curry, CEO of the iGEA
Ph: 9209 4325 ron@igea.net
Jeffrey Brand - Associate Dean and Head of School of Communication and Media Bond
University –author of Interactive Australia 09
0409 053 554 jbrand@bond.edu.au
Dr Mark Finn, Senior Lecturer in Media, Swinburne University
0412 248 150 mfinn@swin.edu.au
Daniel King – Adelaide University, Researcher specialising in interactive entertainment
0431 374 741 daniel.king@adelaide.edu.au
Matt Costello – award-winning writer working across a range of media that meshes game
play, technology and story. He is the writer and creator of groundbreaking TV, novels,
nonfiction books, and games.
(001) 914.260.8130 matt@mattcostello.com
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