Computer games
On this page, you can find information about how to apply for classification of a computer game.
- Do I need to get my computer game classified?
- Downloadable, online and mobile phone computer game product
- How to apply for a classification
- Essential requirements of an application
- How long will it take?
- What if I don't agree with the Classification Board's decision?
- Where can I get more information?
- Where do I send my application?
Do I need to get my computer game classified?
Most computer games, whether local or imported, have to be classified before they can be sold, hired or distributed in Australia. There are some exceptions:
- Identical versions of a previously classified computer game do not require classification. You may sell, hire or distribute any identical version of a previously classified computer game, irrespective of its platform, using its prior classification and consumer advice.
- To determine if a version of the computer game has a previous classification, check the classification database. This database displays the production details (title, publisher, developer and production company), duration, classification and consumer advice of computer games that have been previously classified.
- If the details of a previously classified computer game vary from the version you want to sell, hire or distribute, you must submit the computer game for classification. A variation in classification details may include either the addition or deletion of any content.
- Certain computer games may be exempt from classification if their content can be accommodated under specific descriptions in the Classification Act. The conditions for exempt computer games are relatively specific and relate to both subject matter and classifiable elements within the computer game. Refer to the exempt computer games page for more information.
Downloadable, online and mobile phone computer game product
Downloadable computer games can be submitted for classification.
Online computer games can be submitted for classification. Computer games available for mobile phones may be classified by the Classification Board if submitted for classification.
If you are unsure about whether an online product or a computer game available for mobile phones should be submitted for classification please seek independent legal advice.
How to apply for a classification
If you are a new applicant you will first need to set up an account in our records database by completing and submitting a New Account Setup Request Form to the Business Support Unit (contact details are on the form). It is preferable for you to do this before you submit any applications or payments for classification. If you are an existing client and your business name, ABN or contact details have changed please use the new account or account update forms in the application forms section of our website.
It is essential that you submit the correct documentation, materials and classification fee with any application for classification. If you do not supply all the correct information your application may be delayed.
All games applicants, no matter what category they are applying for, should attempt to include a video or DVD of typical gameplay footage with their application. This allows the Board to quickly become acquainted with the game and may improve application turn-around times.
You must identify what category of computer game you are submitting for classification. There are four different categories. You need to submit different documentation, materials and classification fee for each category. The four categories are explained below.
Computer Game – Level 1
This category is available to all applicants. Your application must be accompanied by:
- a copy of the computer game
- the prescribed classification fee ($1210.00)
- a detailed written description of gameplay, and
- Attachment One of the Computer Games application form. This details particulars of any contentious material in the computer game and the means by which access to that material may be gained. Contentious material is any content or incidents in the computer game that might attract a classification of M or above. The Guidelines for the classification of films and computer games provide a summary of the type of classifiable elements that might result in a decision of M or above. If you consider that the game contains no contentious material then you need to declare in Attachment One that the film contains no contentious material.
Computer Game – Level 2
This category of application is available to all applicants. Your application must be accompanied by:
- a copy of the computer game
- the prescribed classification fee ($890.00)
- a detailed written description of gameplay and either:
- If you are of the opinion that the computer game contains any contentious material, that is, material likely to be classified M or above, you must supply a separate recording of any contentious material and typical gameplay. Contentious material is any content or incidents within the computer game that might attract a classification of M or above. The Guidelines for the classification of films and computer games provide a summary of the type of classifiable elements that might result in a decision of M or higher, or
- If you consider that the film contains no contentious material you should supply a separate recording of typical gameplay only.
Assessed Computer Game
This category of application is only to be submitted by applicants who have completed an Authorised Assessor training program that has been approved by the Director of the Classification Board and have attached a G, PG or M assessment. Your application must be accompanied by:
- a copy of the computer game
- the prescribed classification fee ($430.00)
- a detailed written description of gameplay
- a completed Authorised Assessor Recommendation Report.
Demonstrated Computer Game
This category of application is available to all applicants, but is usually only submitted by applicants where a demonstration of the game is either required or requested by the Classification Board. Applications must be accompanied by:
- a copy of the computer games (if practicable)
- the prescribed classification fee ($2460)
- a completed checklist for demonstrating a computer game. This document also contains important information about the requirements for a demonstration
- a detailed written description of gameplay
and, either: - Attachment One of the Computer Games application form. This details particulars of any contentious material in the computer game and the means by which access to that material may be gained. Contentious material is any content or incidents within the computer game that might attract a classification of M or above. The Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games provide a summary of the type of classifiable elements that might result in a decision of M or higher. If you consider that the game contains no contentious material then you need to declare in Attachment One that the film contains no contentious material,
or - a separate recording of any contentious material and typical gameplay.
Essential requirements of an application
The application form is provided for in the Classification Act and approved by the Director. You must fill in the form correctly otherwise there will be delays in your application. The form can be found on the Application forms - computer games page. Please make sure that you sign the form as an unsigned application does not satisfy the requirements of the Classification Act and will delay your application. You also need to make sure that you have provided the correct fee for classification – the application is not valid until the fee has been received.
All games applicants, no matter what category they are applying for, should attempt to include a video or DVD of typical gameplay footage with their application. This allows the Board to quickly become acquainted with the game and may improve application turn-around times.
If you are submitting a demonstrated computer game, you need to complete the checklist attached on the forms page. This document also contains important information about the demonstration process, so please be sure to read it prior to your demonstration booking.
If your application is for an assessed computer game, please make sure that a certified assessor has signed the Authorised Assessor recommendation form.
If the computer game contains, or is likely to contain, contentious material, complete Attachment One. If you do not complete Attachment One your application may be delayed. If the computer game contains no contentious material you can leave this attachment blank.
A list of acceptable formats for the submission of computer games is provided for your reference. Please make sure any game code submitted to the Classification Board complies with one of the formats listed. If you are unsure about an acceptable game format, please contact us before you submit your application.
How long will it take?
For standard classification applications, please allow 20 working days once the Classification Board has received a valid application.
For priority classification applications, please allow 5 working days once the Classification Board has received a valid application. An additional fee of $400.00 applies to each priority application.
Information about how the turnaround times are calculated is listed in the ‘Changes to turnaround times’ section below.
Changes to Turnaround times
Regulations, effective from 1 July 2007, allow the Classification Board a maximum of 20 working days in which to process a standard application. The commencement of the 20 day period begins when the Classification Board receives a valid application.
You can view the current Regulations determining the calculation of the period within which the Classification Board is to make a decision.
Before the 20 day period begins, Applications staff must undertake a series of administrative and validity checking tasks in relation to each application to ensure the Classification Board has the information it requires to make a classification decision. This administration work must occur before the Classification Board accepts an application, rather than occurring concurrently and as part of the 20 day period.
In the case of a standard application, the administration period will not exceed 5 working days. In the case of a priority application, the administration period will not exceed two days.
While Applications staff will always endeavour to keep processing time to a minimum, applicants will need to consider the maximum administration periods noted above and the impact these may have on applicants with tight time-frames for receiving a classification decision.
Applicants can help reduce processing time by supplying accurate and complete documentation with all applications.
What if I don't agree with the Classification Board's decision?
You can ask a Classification Applications Officer for a copy of the Classification Board's reasons for decision. You can also apply for a review to the Classification Review Board, an independent review body.
Refer to how to apply for review of Classification Board decision for information on applying for a review, application forms and the review fee.
Where can I get more information?
If you have any further enquiries you can contact the appropriate officer on one of the telephone numbers below.
If you require additional information you can submit an enquiry or contact an appropriate officer on one of the telephone numbers below.
Enquiries relating to:
An application for classification of a computer game
Senior Applications Officer
Telephone: (02) 9289 7100
A review of a classification decision
Secretary of the Classification Review Board
Telephone: (02) 9289 7100
Where do I send my application?
By post
The Director
Classification Board
Locked Bag 3
HAYMARKET NSW 1240
By courier
The Director
Classification Board
Level 5, 23 – 33 Mary St
SURRY HILLS NSW 2010