Australian Classification Board
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 analogous New Zealand body has the same name, both organizations are completely separate entities and as such, ratings do differ between them.
Film and Video Game Ratings
Below or beside the picture of the classification label is a list of the reasons the product received that classification.
G (General) – These films and computer games are suitable to be viewed by a general audience, including children. 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.
Classifications below are legally restricted
MA15+ (Mature Accompanied) – People under the age of 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.
Classifications below cannot currently be applied to video games and if they are chosen an 'RC' rating is awarded
R (Restricted) – People under the age of 18 cannot purchase or rent the movie. Photo identification is needed.
The content is of a high level.
X (Restricted) – People under the age of 18 cannot purchase or rent the movie. Photo identification is needed.
The X rating applies to sexually explict material.
A rating of 'RC' denotes 'Refused Classification', where the game is effectively banned from being sold or demonstrated in the country. (there is no label as it is not a public rating)
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, however 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 -- children under 15 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.
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+
See Also
- ESRB, the United States and Canadian computer and video game rating system
- ELSPA, the former British computer and video game rating system, replaced by the PEGI ratings.
- PEGI, the European computer and video game rating system
- BBFC, the British Board of Film Classification
- Australia, which contains more information on GTA's history in Australia, both in- and out-of-game.
External Links