Compliance for sale or hire of computer games
Most classification requirements are similar in each of the States and Territories. However, there are some differences. The information in this section is provided as a general guide only. You should refer to the relevant State or Territory classification legislation for detailed information.
Links to State and Territory classification legislation are available on the State and Territory Classification legislation page.
- Computer games that can be sold, hired or demonstrated
- How should classification markings appear on computer games?
- Age recommendations and restrictions for sale or hire of games
- Restrictions for demonstrating or screening computer games (eg in store)
- Restrictions for computer games available for play (eg amusement arcades)
- Displaying the correct classification notice
Computer games that can be sold, hired or demonstrated
Generally, computer games (including amusement arcade games) must be classified by the Classification Board or Classification Review Board before they can be sold, hired or demonstrated in Australia. "Demonstrate" includes to exhibit, display, screen or make available for playing.
Some computer games may be exempt from classification depending upon their content. For more information, go to the is it exempt from classification page.
Foreign classifications are not applicable in Australia, so imported games need to be classified before being offered for sale or hire (whether retail or wholesale).
Computer games classified G, PG, M or MA 15+ may be sold, hired or demonstrated in Australia.
Computer games that have been Refused Classification (RC) cannot be sold, hired or demonstrated in Australia.
For further information about classifying computer games, refer to what has to be classified – computer games.
How should classification markings appear on computer games?
Computer games that are sold, hired or demonstrated must display the classification markings and consumer advice relevant to the computer game on the container, wrapping or casing.
It is an offence to sell or hire a computer game with a marking that indicates or suggests the film has been classified when it has not, or with a marking that indicates or suggests it has a different classification to that determined by the Classification Board.
The requirements are summarised on the classification markings page.
The Classification (Markings for Films and Computer Games) Determination 2007 prescribes the classification markings and how they are to be displayed on product and advertising. The markings came into effect on 26 May 2005 and apply to films and computer games classified after this date.
Computer games classified before 26 May 2005 can continue to use the old classification markings however the new markings can be used if these are preferred.
Age recommendations and restrictions for sale or hire of games
G: There are no legal restrictions on the sale or hire of computer games classified G.
PG: There are no legal restrictions on the sale or hire of computer games classified PG. It should be remembered however, that computer games classified PG are not recommended for people under 15 without guidance from a parent or guardian.
M: There are no legal restrictions on the sale or hire of computer games classified M. It should be remembered however, that computer games classified M are not recommended for people under 15 years as these contain content that is recommended for a mature audience.
MA15+: Computer games classified MA15+ can only be sold or hired to people aged 15 years or older, unless they are accompanied by their parent or guardian, or in Queensland by an adult.
There is no R 18+ or X18+ classification category for computer games.
Downloads of approved classification markings for use by industry in complying with display requirements are available from the computer games and DVD films artwork page on this website.
Restrictions for demonstrating or screening computer games (for example - in store demonstrations)
Only classified computer games (apart from those exempt) can be demonstrated in a public place. "Demonstrate" includes to screen or make available for play.
The G, PG and M classifications are advisory only and there are no legal age restrictions on the demonstration of these computer games. It should be remembered however, that parental guidance is recommended for PG computer games and M computer games are not recommended for people under 15 years.
MA15+ is a legally restricted classification. There are restrictions on the demonstration of MA15+ games in a public place in all States and Territories.
For a factsheet for retailers of computer games, see – fact sheets.
Restrictions for computer games available for play (for example - amusement arcades)
Only classified computer games can be made available for play in a public place.
The G, PG and M classifications are advisory only and there are no legal age restrictions regarding who can play these computer games. It should be remembered however, that parental guidance is recommended for PG computer games and M computer games are not recommended for people under 15 years.
MA15+ is a legally restricted classification. There are restrictions on the availability to play MA15+ games in all a public place in all States and Territories.
For a factsheet for amusement arcade computer games see – fact sheets.
Displaying the correct classification notice
A notice, in a form approved by the Director of the Classification Board, which lists film and computer game classifications must be displayed in a prominent place where computer games are being sold, hired or demonstrated.
Classification notices for computer games are available at approved notices.