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Source:
www.mda.gov.sg
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Singapore introduces video games classification
system |
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Gamers in Singapore can look forward to a
greater variety of video games with a new two-rating classification
system that will be launched end April, the Board of Film Censors (BFC)
under the Media Development Authority (MDA) announced today. |
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In line with the new guidelines,
consumer advisories will be introduced to allow consumers,
especially parents, to make informed choices about the video
games available in the market. |
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With effect from 28 April 2008, the new
video games ratings are: |
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1. Mature 18 (M18) – For persons 18 years
old and above. M18 is a restricted category and retailers will need to
conduct age checks at the point of sale. |
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2. Age Advisory – Suitable for persons 16
years old and above. This is an advisory category to assist consumers in
making informed choices. While retailers need not conduct age checks at
the point of sale, they are encouraged to exercise responsibility by not
selling these games to those below 16 years of age. |
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Both categories will carry rating stickers.
Games that do not fall into the above two categories but are approved
for general consumption are not required to carry any rating stickers. |
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Under the content guidelines, games with
content which contains moderate level of violence, portrayal of implied
sexual activity, nudity without details, coarse language and depiction
of illegal drug use may be required to carry an Age Advisory label. |
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Games with mature themes, or which contain
realistic depictions of violence and drug use, nudity and frequent use
of strong coarse language will be classified as M18. The general
guidelines for video games classification can be found on
www.mda.gov.sg/videogames.
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The video games classification system was
developed over a two-year period involving detailed research and
extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including members of MDA’s
advisory committees, representatives from the video games distribution
and retail sectors, as well as parents, academics and gamers. Comments
from the Film Consultative Panel members and industry representatives on
the video games classification system can be found in the Annexes. |
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The new guidelines build upon the interim
M18 rating, which was introduced in November 2007 to prepare the
industry for the video games classification system. Since then, eight
games, such as Conan and God of War: Chains of Olympus, have been
brought into Singapore under the interim M18 rating. |
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Said Ms Amy Chua, Chairman, BFC, “The new
ratings will provide more choices for gamers. The games distribution and
retail industry will also benefit from having a rating system that
allows it to make available more games targeted at the different groups.
At the same time, the age-appropriate ratings and consumer advisories
will help parents make informed choices about the games their children
play. This represents a balanced approach in enabling more media choice
for Singaporeans while protecting the young.” |
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Encouraging shared responsibility through
industry co-regulation In line with the BFC’s practice of co-regulating
with the industry, the classification system requires companies to
declare all games meant for local distribution and sale via an online
questionnaire. Companies will be required to submit physical copies of
the titles only when the game contains mature content. In addition, the
BFC will conduct periodic checks on games declarations to verify
accuracy of declarations. |
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In explaining the benefits of such a
co-regulatory system, Ms Chua said, “Getting the industry to declare
information about the games will speed up the classification process and
facilitate time-to-market for new titles. Such industry involvement is
crucial to the classification of video games due to the amount of time
required to assess each game. This will also help BFC to focus on
content that is not suitable for the young and keep compliance cost
affordable.” |
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Under the system, it costs S$50 and takes
six to 10 working days to rate a M18 game. A premium service is
available for companies looking to shorten the processing time. |
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An industry briefing session was held today
to prepare the video games industry for the classification system and
process. |
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Educating the public through outreach
programmes |
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To help the public understand the video
games ratings, MDA is organising a series of outreach initiatives
targeting gamers, parents, teachers and retailers, from end April.
Members of the public can also find out more information about the
classification system, including ratings of video games that have
classified, at
www.mda.gov.sg/videogames from 28 April onwards. |
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In addition, an informational brochure on
the video games ratings will be made available at games distributors’
and retailers’ outlets, LAN gaming centres, as well as at other
community events. MDA will work with game retail shops and LAN gaming
centres to display in-store signs that explain the games ratings. MDA
will also partner parenting and gaming publications and online portals
to hold promotional activities aimed at increasing awareness of the
video games ratings. |
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More information on the video games
classification system can be found at
www.mda.gov.sg/videogames.
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Annex |
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Source:
www.mda.gov.sg News Release 14
Apr 2008 |
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Important
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FrontPage Edition: Mon 14 April 2008
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