SYDNEY: Australia is about to start a 12-month trial of a classification tool for mobile and online games. The new classification tool was created by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC), a partnership of government and industry content classification authorities from around the world.
The Justice Minister, Michael Keenan, says the trial should ensure “users, particularly parents, are better informed about what types of games are being played on mobile devices.”
Under the system, currently used in 36 countries, game developers must complete a questionnaire about game content to be eligible for age and content ratings.
The IARC tool then assigns classifications based on local standards set by the relevant authorities, although Mr Keenan says the IARC classifications will be audited for Australian standards during the trial.
The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association says it will participate in the pilot, saying the IARC tool is a “straightforward” way to inform parents and other purchasers of the age appropriateness of digital games and is a “global industry lead classification solution.”
The Justice Minister says Australians who download these games through participating online retailers will soon start seeing familiar Australian age and content classifications.
The initial 12-month trial period for the IARC game classification tool will begin next month.
