Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 20121
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995
I, Jason Clare, Minister for Justice, with the agreement of each participating Minister mentioned in subsection 12 (1) of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, determine the following guidelines under that subsection to commence on 1 January 2013.
Dated 11 September 2012
 
Jason Clare
Minister for Justice

GUIDELINES FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER GAMES
Introduction to the Guidelines
Background
The Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games (the Guidelines) are a tool for classifying computer games.  They help explain the different classification categories, and the scope and limits of material suitable for each category.  They are revised from time to time, with extensive community input.
The legal context
The national classification scheme is based on:
the Commonwealth Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Act), and a cooperative agreement between Commonwealth, State and Territory governments.  
Under the scheme, the Commonwealth makes the classification decisions, and the States and Territories enforce them.
The Act contains a National Classification Code (the Code).  It also allows Guidelines to be made.  By agreement, the Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers can vary the Code and the Guidelines.
The Act requires films and computer games to be classified, using the Code and the Guidelines, before they are released or advertised.
Classification decisions are made by the Classification Board.  Its decisions can be reviewed by the Classification Review Board.  Administrative support for both Boards is provided by the Australian Government Attorney‑General’s Department.
Classification categories
The Act names the classification categories for computer games, and the Code describes them.  The categories are:
·         G
·         PG
·         M
·         MA 15+
·         R 18+
·         RC
Classification criteria
The Act
Under the Act, each of the following matters must be taken into account in classifying computer games:
(a)        the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults;
(b)        the literary, artistic or educational merit (if any) of the publication, film or computer game;
(c)        the general character of the publication, film or computer game, including whether it is of a medical, legal or scientific character;
(d)        the persons or class of persons to or amongst whom it is published or is intended or likely to be published.
The Code
Under the Code, classification decisions are to give effect, as far as possible, to the following principles:
(a)        adults should be able to read, hear, see and play what they want;
(b)        minors should be protected from material likely to harm or disturb them;
(c)        everyone should be protected from exposure to unsolicited material that they find   offensive;
(d)        the need to take account of community concerns about:
(i)   depictions that condone or incite violence, particularly sexual violence; and
(ii)  the portrayal of persons in a demeaning manner.
Consumer advice
Except for G classifications, the Act requires the Classification Board to provide consumer advice about the content of computer games it classifies.  (For G classifications, the Act gives the Board the option whether to provide consumer information.)  This information helps consumers make informed choices.
The Guidelines
Using the Guidelines: Essential principles
Three essential principles underlie the use of the Guidelines:
·         the importance of context
·         assessing impact
·         the six classifiable elements
Each classification category takes a similar form.  It begins with an “impact test” that determines the threshold for the category.  It then lists the six classifiable elements, with a statement limiting the content of each element.
Importance of context
Context is crucial in determining whether a classifiable element is justified by the story-line or themes.  In particular, the way in which important social issues are dealt with may require a mature or adult perspective.  This means that material that falls into a particular classification category in one context may fall outside it in another.
Assessing impact
The Guidelines use the following hierarchy of impact:
·         very mild               -           G
·         mild                       -           PG
·         moderate               -           M
·         strong                    -           MA 15+
·         high                       -           R 18+
·         very high               -           RC
Assessing the impact of material requires considering not only the treatment of individual classifiable elements but also their cumulative effect.  It also requires considering the purpose and tone of a sequence.
Impact may be higher where a scene or game-play sequence
contains greater detail, including the use of close-ups and slow motion uses accentuation techniques, such as lighting, perspective and resolution uses special effects, such as lighting and sound, resolution, colour, size of image, characterisation and tone is prolonged is repeated frequently is realistic, rather than stylised is highly interactive links incentives or rewards to high impact elements.
Impact may be lessened where reference to a classifiable element is verbal rather than visual.  Also, some visual impacts have less impact than others: for example, an incidental depiction may have less impact than a direct one. 
Interactivity and computer games
Interactivity is an important consideration that the Board must take into account when classifying computer games.  This is because there are differences in what some sections of the community condone in relation to passive viewing or the effects passive viewing may have on the viewer (as may occur in a film) compared to actively controlling outcomes by making choices to take or not take action.
 
Due to the interactive nature of computer games and the active repetitive involvement of the participant, 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.
 
Interactivity may increase the impact of some content: for example, impact may be higher where interactivity enables action such as inflicting realistically depicted injuries or death or post-mortem damage, attacking civilians or engaging in sexual activity.  Greater degrees of interactivity (such as first-person gameplay compared to third-person gameplay) may also increase the impact of some content.
Interactivity includes the use of incentives and rewards, technical features and competitive intensity. 
Except in material restricted to adults, nudity and sexual activity must not be related to incentives or rewards. 
 Computer games will be Refused Classification if they contain:
(i)         illicit or proscribed drug use related to incentives or rewards;
(ii)        interactive drug use which is detailed and realistic.
The classifiable elements
The six classifiable elements in a computer game are:
·         themes
·         violence
·         sex
·         language
·         drug use
·         nudity
The classification takes account of the context and impact of each of these elements, including their frequency and intensity, and their cumulative effect.  It also takes account of the purpose and tone of a sequence, and how material is treated.
 
Classification Board’s application of the Guidelines
Classification decisions are made by the Classification Board.  Its decisions can be reviewed by the Classification Review Board.
 
In making classification decisions, the Board is required to apply these Guidelines.
The Categories
G - GENERAL
 
 
Impact test
 
The impact of the classifiable elements for material classified G should be very mild only.
 
Note: The G classification is for a general audience.  However, it does not necessarily indicate that children will enjoy the computer game.  Some G games contain themes, story-lines or game play that do not interest children.
 
Classifiable elements
 
THEMES
The treatment of themes should have a very low sense of threat or menace, and be justified by context.
 
VIOLENCE
Violence should have only a low sense of threat or menace, and be justified by context.
 
Sexual violence, implied or otherwise, is not permitted.
 
SEX
Sexual activity should be very mild and very discreetly implied, and be justified by context.
 
Sexual activity must not be related to incentives or rewards.
 
LANGUAGE
Coarse language should be very mild and infrequent, and be justified by context.
 
DRUG USE
Drug use should be implied only very discreetly, and be justified by context.
 
Drug use related to incentives or rewards is not permitted.
 
Interactive illicit or proscribed drug use is not permitted.
 
NUDITY
Nudity should be infrequent and justified by context.
 
Nudity must not be related to incentives or rewards.
 
Note: Some of the terms used in this category are defined in the List of Terms at the end of these Guidelines.
PG - PARENTAL GUIDANCE
 
 
Impact test
 
The impact of the classifiable elements for material classified PG should be no higher than mild.
 
Note: Material classified PG may contain material which some children find confusing or upsetting, and may require the guidance of parents or guardians.  It is not recommended for playing by persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians.
 
Classifiable elements
 
THEMES
The treatment of themes should generally have a low sense of threat or menace and be justified by context.
 
VIOLENCE
Violence should be mild and infrequent, and be justified by context.
 
Sexual violence, implied or otherwise, is not permitted.
 
SEX
Sexual activity should be mild and discreetly implied, and be justified by context.
 
Sexual activity must not be related to incentives or rewards.
 
LANGUAGE
Coarse language should be mild and infrequent, and be justified by context.
 
DRUG USE
Drug use should be infrequent and justified by context. 
 
Drug use related to incentives or rewards is not permitted.
Interactive illicit or proscribed drug use is not permitted.
 
NUDITY
Nudity should be infrequent and justified by context. 
 
Nudity must not be related to incentives or rewards.
 
Note: Some of the terms used in this category are defined in the List of Terms at the end of these Guidelines.
M - MATURE
Impact test
 
The impact of the classifiable elements for material classified M should be no higher than moderate.
 
Note: Material classified M is not recommended for persons under 15 years of age.  There are no legal restrictions on access.
 
Classifiable elements
 
THEMES
The treatment of themes may have a moderate sense of threat or menace, if justified by context.
 
VIOLENCE
Moderate violence is permitted, if justified by context.
 
Sexual violence, implied or otherwise, is not permitted
 
SEX
Sexual activity should be discreetly implied, if justified by context.
 
Sexual activity must not be related to incentives or rewards.
 
LANGUAGE
Coarse language may be used. 
 
Aggressive or strong coarse language should be infrequent, justified by context, and not gratuitous, exploitative or offensive.
 
DRUG USE
Drug use should be justified by context.
 
Drug use related to incentives or rewards is not permitted.
 
Interactive illicit or proscribed drug use is not permitted.
 
NUDITY
Nudity should be justified by context. 
 
Nudity must not be related to incentives or rewards.
 
Note: Some of the terms used in this category are defined in the List of Terms at the end of these Guidelines.
MA 15+ - MATURE ACCOMPANIED
Impact test
 
The impact of material classified MA 15+ should be no higher than strong.
 
Note: Material classified MA 15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age.  It is a legally restricted category.
 
Classifiable elements
 
THEMES
The treatment of strong themes should be justified by context.
 
VIOLENCE
Violence should be justified by context.
 
Strong and realistic violence should not be frequent or unduly repetitive.
 
Sexual violence, implied or otherwise, is not permitted.
 
SEX
Sexual activity may be implied. 
 
Sexual activity must not be related to incentives or rewards.
 
LANGUAGE
Strong coarse language may be used. 
 
Aggressive or strong coarse language should be infrequent, and not exploitative or offensive.
 
DRUG USE
Drug use should be justified by context. 
 
Drug use related to incentives or rewards is not permitted.
 
Interactive illicit or proscribed drug use is not permitted.
 
NUDITY
Nudity should be justified by context.
 
Nudity must not be related to incentives or rewards.
 
Note: Some of the terms used in this category are defined in the List of Terms at the end of these Guidelines.
R 18+ - RESTRICTED
Impact test
 
The impact of material classified R 18+ should not exceed high.
 
Note: Material classified R 18+ is legally restricted to adults.  Some material classified R 18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult community. 
 
Classifiable elements
 
THEMES
There are virtually no restrictions on the treatment of themes.
 
VIOLENCE
Violence is permitted. High impact violence that is, in context, frequently gratuitous, exploitative and offensive to a reasonable adult will not be permitted.
 
Actual sexual violence is not permitted.
 
Implied sexual violence that is visually depicted, interactive, not justified by context or related to incentives or rewards is not permitted.
 
SEX
Depictions of actual sexual activity are not permitted.
 
Depictions of simulated sexual activity may be permitted.
 
Depictions of simulated sexual activity that are explicit and realistic are not permitted.
 
LANGUAGE
There are virtually no restrictions on language.
 
DRUG USE
Drug use is permitted.
 
Drug use related to incentives and rewards is not permitted.
 
Interactive illicit or proscribed drug use that is detailed and realistic is not permitted.
 
NUDITY
Nudity is permitted.
 
Note: Some of the terms used in this category are defined in the List of Terms at the end of these Guidelines.
RC - REFUSED CLASSIFICATION
 
Note: Computer games that exceed the R 18+ classification category will be Refused Classification.
 
Computer games will be refused classification if they include or contain any of the following:
 
CRIME OR VIOLENCE

 
 
  Detailed instruction or promotion in matters of crime or violence.
 
The promotion or provision of instruction in paedophile activity.
 
Descriptions or depictions of child sexual abuse or any other exploitative or offensive descriptions or depictions involving a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 years.
 
Depictions of:
 
(i)         violence with a very high degree of impact which are excessively frequent, prolonged, detailed or repetitive;
(ii)        cruelty or realistic violence which are very detailed and which have a very high impact;
(iii)       actual sexual violence.
 
Implied sexual violence related to incentives and rewards.
 
SEX
Depictions of actual sexual activity are not permitted.
 
Depictions of simulated sexual activity that are explicit and realistic are not permitted.
 
Depictions of practices such as bestiality.
 
Gratuitous, exploitative or offensive depictions of:
 
(i)         activity accompanied by fetishes or practices which are offensive or abhorrent;
(ii)        incest fantasies or other fantasies which are offensive or abhorrent.
 
DRUG USE
Detailed instruction in the use of proscribed drugs.
 
Material promoting or encouraging proscribed drug use.
Computer games will also be Refused Classification if they contain:
(i)         illicit or proscribed drug use related to incentives or rewards;
(ii)        interactive drug use which is detailed and realistic.
 
Note: Some of the terms used in this category are defined in the List of Terms at the end of these Guidelines.
LIST OF TERMS
 
Note: Words which are used in the Guidelines but which are not contained in this List of Terms take their usual dictionary meaning. Refer to the latest edition of The Macquarie Dictionary.
 
Coercion:                                                 The use of threat or power to force agreement to sexual activity.
 
Demean:                                                   A depiction or description, directly or indirectly sexual in nature, which debases or appears to debase the person or the character depicted.
 
Elements:                                                 Themes, violence, sex, coarse language, drug use and nudity.
 
Exploitative:                                            Appearing to purposefully debase or abuse for the enjoyment of others, and lacking moral, artistic or other values.
 
Fetish:                                                       An object, an action or a non-sexual part of the body which gives sexual gratification. 
                                                                 
Intensity:                                                  Strength of the treatment or subject matter; strength of engagement or involvement.
 
Interactivity:                                            The quality of being interactive.  Providing or capable of providing for user participation that enables some measure of control in relation to user action, data input and commands.  The user’s participation may influence outcomes that in turn, may affect what options are available to them for subsequent interaction.
 
Offensive:                                                Material which causes outrage or extreme disgust. 
 
Sexual Activity:                                       Matters pertaining to sexual acts, but not limited to sexual intercourse.
 
Sexual Violence:                                      Sexual assault or aggression, in which the victim does not consent.
 
Sexualised Violence:                               Where sex and violence are connected in the story, although sexual violence may not necessarily occur.
 
Themes:                                                   Social issues such as crime, suicide, drug and alcohol dependency, death, serious illness, family breakdown and racism.
 
Treatment:                                               The way in which material is handled or presented.
 
Violence:                                                  Acts of violence; the threat or effects of violence.
Note
1.       All legislative instruments and compilations are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments kept under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. See www.comlaw.gov.au.