Computer Games

Computer games, whether they are locally made or come from overseas, have to be classified before they can be sold, hired, demonstrated or made available for play in Australia. This requirement also applied to amusement arcade games.

The Classification Board classifies (on application) computer games to determine:

• the age recommendations and restrictions that apply to the sale or hire of computer games
• the classification markings that must be displayed
• the conditions that must be complied with, when advertising computer games.

Computer game formats include:

• PC-based games
• Console games
  This includes PS2 and PS3, GameCube, Wii, X-Box and X-Box360.
• Hand-held games
  This includes Playstation Portable (PSP) and Nintendo DS.

Exempt Games

Certain computer games are exempt from classification if their content can be accommodated under any of the descriptions in the exempt computer games table. This table is found within section 5B of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.

For more information about these games, go to the Exempt Computer Games page.