R18+ Classification Interview With John Rau

Although I am glad we have an R 18+ now. Having MA removed is ridiculous. The rating is there for a reason and a very strong one at that. If you don't understand why the MA+ rating is there, then please look into it. In the quickest and easiest of explanation. M is a slightly heavier version of PG, it has the exact same material as PG although some of it may be slightly a bit more adult themed and misunderstood to the young. MA15+ is a lighter R18+. R18+ only comes in when it's of strong realism or incredibly graphic use of material such as drugs, sex and violence. If MA is to be removed, then kids are just going to be able to get the same stuff plus more once they explain to their parents that it is the exact same rating as their used to be MA15+ now R18+ game.

Im welcome to getting rid of MA15+. It was always one of those stupid classifications as M was originally M15+ which recommended but didnt legally restrict to over 15yrs, which means they were more or less the same. MA15+ only covers a 3yr age gap so why bother having it?

@nanorazor - isn't that as stereotypical as saying most 13-17 are mature enough and should be able to play what they want?..I do think removing MA15+ is kinda harsh, but it just mean they will have to wait. Parents SHOULD know what their kids are playing! ..that's call responsible parenting. Of course there's way to bypass it, just as there's way to get alcohol/smokes when you're underage..if so why complain? The games you mentioned should really be in R18+ category.

@superbuuman "most 13-17 are idiotic" That is really stereotypical view as most non idiotic people at the age between 13-17 you don't see often. As they generally stay at home and play video games. Parent should NOT buy games for there child, they should buy it themselves so it does not bypass game store policy and instead keep MA15+ and just add an R18 rating how hard could that be? Not all rated MA15 games are that violent and/or sexual with the exception games like witcher, AVP,GTA etc

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Laura's great!

I'm extremely happy about the introduction of the R18+ rating, but getting rid of the MA15+ rating is just going to make it more difficult in the end because of the fact that you have to be 18 to purchase them, when in reality, most 13-17 year olds are mature enough to know that what they're playing has got nothing to do with real life. We don't need our parents to be holding the hand of their child the whole way through their life, do we?

I don't mind the abolishment of MA15+. People under 18 can still get R18+ games with their parents consent so it just allows more control by the parents on what their young child plays.

Seems like from what he's saying that R18+ has its own category, its not MA15+ being lifted to R18+..which is great, except for 15-17 gamers in SA Im not affected so its great news for me & for everyone else not living in SA.

I'd like to understand why this guy thinks that he knows better as to whether something should be rated as MA15 or 18+.

The question is will clasification refused games like Mortal Kombat be re classified as r18 under this new legislation?

Nice work LP.

Great interview Loz :) This has turned out better than I had expected.