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THE long-awaited video game classification system will kick into action by end of the month, giving gamers here more choices, including games that were previously banned in Singapore.
Titles that contain possible objectionable content will come with stickers to warn buyers.
Those that have realistic violence, drug use, nudity and frequent use of coarse language will be rated M18, for a mature audience that is 18 and older.
Games that have moderate level of violence, portrayal of implied sexual activity, nudity without details, coarse language and depiction of drugs will be rated 'Age Advisory' and restricted to those 16 and older.
Announcing the ratings for new video games on Monday, the Media Development Authority (MDA) said the scheme would give adults more choice while giving parents more information about the games that they may buy for their children.
It said it was adopting a 'light touch' approach and will gather feedback from the industry and public before coming up with more detailed rules in future.
Game wholesalers and retailers may also be licensed in future, so as to ensure that they do not sell mature games to the underaged.
The video games rating system was developed over a two-year period involving detailed research and extensive consultation with members of MDA's advisory committees, representatives from the video games distribution and retail sectors, as well as parents, academics and gamers.
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.
Said Ms Amy Chua, Chairman of the Board of Film Censors (BFC) on Monday: '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.'
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.
On 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.'
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.
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.
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.
More information on the video games classification system can be found at www.mda.gov.sg/videogames.
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