Video Games Industry Applauds Release Of R18 Plus Discussion Paper

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15th December 2009, 04:05pm - Views: 682





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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


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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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