I don't care what the parent groups say or think...they are wrong when it comes to introducing the R18+ rating into Australian game classification. First off, movies have the full extent of G, PG, M, MA15+, R18+ of the OFLC's "esteemed" system of classification. So why not games? With the introduction of an R18+ system, it would encourage the reclassification of many of the games out there. Currently, the only limit on the sale of a game is "MA15+ - Children under 15 MUST be accompanied by an parent or adult guardian". That means that anyone can walk into a store, purchase a game WITHOUT being requested for ID (it is up to the discretion of the salesperson to ask for ID; they are not required by law if the person looks over 15). The introduction of the R18+ would require all salespeople to ask the customer for ID regardless if they are purchasing an R18+ game (failure to do so could result in a fine or further charges, and the parent groups would love that). Parent groups have this idea that "Kids will still get their hands on the game anyway". WRONG, the introduction of the rating would result in a decline in pirating figures (since we don't have to risk customs with banned imports, and we'd be able to get the game in store), and the only way the kids could get their hands on the game would be through the assistance of a parent or adult guardian. R18+ does not suddenly introduce a whole heap of games minors can get their hands on. It actually makes it harder for them to obtain. Therein their whole argument is flawed. By introducing a rating that puts the games in a harder to reach position for minors, their idea that "games causes violence" would be rebutted with "Well how did they get the game in the first place Mrs. Righteous?". Suddenly, the scapegoat that is gaming is removed. Maybe that's why parents don't want this introduced? The rating would dispel the age old "Gaming causes people to be violent" , and gaming would no longer be the scapegoat excuse for poor parenting.
Judza's comments