Today, Australia’s Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 was amended with changes that many believe to be beneficial to the industry and consumers alike.
According to the Parliamentary of Australia’s website, the act was amended to “enable certain content (including online and mobile device content) to be classified using classification tools; enable the secretary (or their delegate) to notify law enforcement authorities about certain content without first having the content classified; establish additional exempt film categories for certain films covering natural history and the social sciences; provide that publishers will no longer be able to apply for exemption certificates for unclassified films or computer games; provide for exemptions for unclassified content to be screened at festivals, special events and by cultural institutions; remove the need to have classified content reclassified when certain modifications are made to the content; enable the minister to determine display and consumer advice requirements for classified content; and make technical amendments; and Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to make consequential amendments.”
That’s quite a mouthful, eh? Thankfully, our trusty source over at @AUSVGClassifications summarised it all for us in a far better manner than this humble writer ever could.
Its not often we digress on this account but some very significant news has just occurred in Australia regarding the class. of VG's
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
http://t.co/0G8GYM74VY – For the details but we will try to provide a summary
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
in a nutshell, authorised classifiers will now be able to classify games with authorised tools instead of going through the old process
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
this should lead to reduced costs of classification and more timely classifications hopefully
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
As well as this, it removes the need for classifications to occur when slight modifications are done to the original content classified
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
"enable certain content (including online and mobile device content) to be classified using classification tools;"
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
along with the R18 legislation, this is the biggest shift in video game classification since its inception in 1996.
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
"A classification tool might take the form of an automated decision-making tool that will generate an Australian classification decision"
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
this also means mobile games will for the first time come under this regime and people will need to deal with the ratings here
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
and yes for those asking its likely steam is affected
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
The way it seems to play out is that any game an authorized assessor could already classify, (up to M basically) can use these tools
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
MA and R still need a rubber stamp from the board and of course a viewing of content etc
— AusVGClassifications (@AusVGClass) August 28, 2014
Seriously, @AUSVGClassifications is pretty much a video game God. Go follow the account. Now.
Now, this is great news, but sort of not at the same time. This amendment has set the stage for the tools described above. The tools themselves? They’re still needing to be designed and put through Parliament too.
What do you make of these amendments?
This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. Stevivor is an independent outlet and our journalism is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.
