Violent video games classification shift hits right button

VIDEO gamers in Ipswich are rejoicing after the State Government moved to introduce an R18+ classification for games.

Unlike movies, ratings for video games currently only extend to MA15+, despite the average age of a gamer found to be 30 in a 2009 Bond University study.

Twenty-seven-year-old Ipswich gamer and father Peter Huckel said the rating system was reassuring.

"I think it's a good thing; the banned games are getting brought into the country illegally at the moment," he said.

"Its better they come out here instead of Australians missing out while the rest of the world gets them."

Mr Huckel said while there were games he enjoyed playing, he wanted to spare his son.

"It comes down to a parental decision," he said.

"I have a seven-year-old and I won't let him play [MA15+ rated] Halo. He cracks it at that because some of his mates can."

Fellow 27-year-old gamer Adam McFadyen said the rating system should be similar to the one used to classify films.

"It's just like anything just like a movie or TV show," he said.

"I don't see why they were classified differently to start with."

Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the amendments would ensure the sale of mature games was regulated.

"We have not had an R18+ rating for computer games previously and these amendments will mirror the current classification system for films," Mr Bleijie said.

"Some material in these games is certainly not appropriate for children, so this new structure will be a good guide for parents and retailers as to what is appropriate."

VIOLENT GAMES

Previously video games too violent to be rated MA15+ were refused a classification and not released.

Banned games include:

• Mortal Kombat
• Left 4 Dead 2
• The Witcher 2
• Syndicate

Topics:  gamers, r18+, video games