Australian Classification Board: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Oflc_au_logo.gif|right]] | [[Image:Oflc_au_logo.gif|right]] | ||
The '''Office of Film and Literature Classification''' '''(OFLC)''' is a statutory classification body which provides day to day administrative support for the Classification Board which rates films, computer games, and publications in [[Australia]], and the Classification Review Board which reviews films, computer games and publications when a valid application has been made. While the [[New Zealand]] body also has the [[OFLC (NZ)|same name]], it is worth pointing out that both organizations are completely separate entities and as such, ratings do differ between them. | The '''Office of Film and Literature Classification''' '''(OFLC)''' is a statutory classification body which provides day to day administrative support for the Classification Board which rates films, computer games, and publications in [[Australia]], and the Classification Review Board which reviews films, computer games and publications when a valid application has been made. While the [[New Zealand]] body also has the [[OFLC (NZ)|same name]], it is worth pointing out that both organizations are completely separate entities and as such, ratings do differ between them. | ||
== Film and Video Game Ratings == | == Film and Video Game Ratings == | ||
'''G (General)''' – These films and computer games are for general viewing. However, G does not conclusively mean a children’s film or game because many of these productions contain content that would be of no interest to children. | '''G (General)''' – These films and computer games are for general viewing. However, G does not conclusively mean a children’s film or game because many of these productions contain content that would be of no interest to children. | ||
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<br><br> | <br><br> | ||
'''PG (Parental Guidance)''' – These films and computer games contain material that a parent might need to explain to younger children. | '''PG (Parental Guidance)''' – These films and computer games contain material that a parent might need to explain to younger children. | ||
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'''M (Mature)''' – These films and computer games contain material that requires a mature perspective. | '''M (Mature)''' – These films and computer games contain material that requires a mature perspective. | ||
The content is moderate. | The content is moderate. | ||
<br><br> | <br><br> | ||
'''MA15+ (Mature Accompanied)''' – People under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film in the cinema. Parental permission to see an MA15+ film is not sufficient. People under 15 are not permitted to hire or buy films or computer games classified MA15+. | '''MA15+ (Mature Accompanied)''' – People under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film in the cinema. Parental permission to see an MA15+ film is not sufficient. People under 15 are not permitted to hire or buy films or computer games classified MA15+. | ||
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''These ratings are still shown on some older video games that are still on sale in Australia'' | ''These ratings are still shown on some older video games that are still on sale in Australia'' | ||
{| | {| | ||
| | | || '''G''' — '''General ''': The G classification is for a general audience. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | || '''G8+''' — '''General for children over 8 years of age''': Material classified G8+ may contain material which some children find confusing or upsetting, and may require the guidance of parents or guardians. It is not recommended for viewing by persons under 8 without guidance from parents or guardians. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | || '''M15+''' — '''Mature''': Material classified M15+ is not recommended for persons under 15 years of age. There are no legal restrictions on access. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | || '''MA15+''' — '''Mature Restricted''': Material classified MA15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category. If your children are under 15 they cannot buy or hire an MA15+ computer game unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Grand Theft Auto Game Ratings== | ==Grand Theft Auto Game Ratings== | ||
The Australian OFLC has been quite harsh on the GTA series in comparison with other ratings boards. Grand Theft Auto 3 was originally restricted by the OFLC who gave it a rating of 'RC', but it later gained an MA 15+ rating meaning the game could be sold in the country. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas had it's MA 15+ rating revoked after the [[Hot Coffee]] incident, resulting in the game being banned. The 2nd edition re-release saw the game regain it's MA 15+ rating. | The Australian OFLC has been quite harsh on the GTA series in comparison with other ratings boards. Grand Theft Auto 3 was originally restricted by the OFLC who gave it a rating of 'RC', but it later gained an MA 15+ rating meaning the game could be sold in the country. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas had it's MA 15+ rating revoked after the [[Hot Coffee]] incident, resulting in the game being banned. The 2nd edition re-release saw the game regain it's MA 15+ rating. | ||
Revision as of 00:02, 25 July 2008
The Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) is a statutory classification body which provides day to day administrative support for the Classification Board which rates films, computer games, and publications in Australia, and the Classification Review Board which reviews films, computer games and publications when a valid application has been made. While the New Zealand body also has the same name, it is worth pointing out that both organizations are completely separate entities and as such, ratings do differ between them.
Film and Video Game Ratings
G (General) – These films and computer games are for general viewing. However, G does not conclusively mean a children’s film or game because many of these productions contain content that would be of no interest to children.
The content is very mild.
PG (Parental Guidance) – These films and computer games contain material that a parent might need to explain to younger children.
The content is mild.
M (Mature) – These films and computer games contain material that requires a mature perspective.
The content is moderate.
MA15+ (Mature Accompanied) – People under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film in the cinema. Parental permission to see an MA15+ film is not sufficient. People under 15 are not permitted to hire or buy films or computer games classified MA15+.
The content is strong.
Previous Video Game Ratings
These ratings are still shown on some older video games that are still on sale in Australia
| G — General : The G classification is for a general audience. | |
| G8+ — General for children over 8 years of age: Material classified G8+ may contain material which some children find confusing or upsetting, and may require the guidance of parents or guardians. It is not recommended for viewing by persons under 8 without guidance from parents or guardians. | |
| M15+ — Mature: Material classified M15+ is not recommended for persons under 15 years of age. There are no legal restrictions on access. | |
| MA15+ — Mature Restricted: Material classified MA15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category. If your children are under 15 they cannot buy or hire an MA15+ computer game unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. |
Grand Theft Auto Game Ratings
The Australian OFLC has been quite harsh on the GTA series in comparison with other ratings boards. Grand Theft Auto 3 was originally restricted by the OFLC who gave it a rating of 'RC', but it later gained an MA 15+ rating meaning the game could be sold in the country. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas had it's MA 15+ rating revoked after the Hot Coffee incident, resulting in the game being banned. The 2nd edition re-release saw the game regain it's MA 15+ rating.
A rating of 'RC' denotes 'Refused Classification', where the game is effectively banned from being sold or demonstrated in the country.
The GTA series is rated as follows:
- Grand Theft Auto 1 - MA 15+ (M15+ on Game Boy Color)
- Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 - MA 15+
- Grand Theft Auto 2 - MA 15+
- Grand Theft Auto III - MA 15+ (originally RC)
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - MA 15+
- Grand Theft Auto Advance - M15+
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - MA 15+ (later revoked due to Hot Coffee, 2nd edition given MA 15+)
- Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories - MA 15+
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories - MA 15+