Classify a computer game

This section is for applicants applying to have a computer game classified by the Classification Board (Board) or an Authorised Assessor.

There are four types of applications for computer games:

• Level 1 applications require extensively detailed written information about the game
• Level 2 applications require written information and gameplay footage
• Demonstrated applications allow you to provide a walk-through of the game to the Board
• Authorised assessments include a report by an Authorised Assessor.

Pay the fee

Your application will be processed when we receive your payment.

The fee will vary depending on the  type of application made. Priority processing is available for an additional fee of $420.
 

If the Classification Board needs you to demonstrate your game, and you have submitted a Level 1 or Level 2 application, you will need to pay the difference before processing can continue for a demonstrated application.

Submit your application

Applications are submitted via the Classification Portal.

For your application to be processed you must provide:

• the basic requirements (detailed below)
• any requirements specific to the application type.
   

Gameplay footage

If you are submitting physical media, provide footage on a separate device to the game and a document with time codes of contentious material.

If you feel that the limit of a 30 minute runtime and 3 GB file size limit is not sufficient for you to accurately demonstrate your game and its contentious elements, please contact the applications team.

Withhold a decision

If you require your classification decision to be withheld from the National Classification Database, you can enter an embargo date during the application creation process. You will need to provide a reason for withholding the decision and the date you would like the decision to be published. The date cannot be changed in the portal once the application has been processed, please contact the applications team if any changes are required.

Withholding a decision is only possible when you apply to the Classification Board or use an accredited classifier. Approved classification tool decisions cannot be withheld from the National Classification Database.

Learn more about advertising requirements for computer games when a classification decision is withheld.

For further information, please contact the applications team at applications@classification.gov.au or call 02 6136 7111 (international +61 2 6136 7111).

Accepted game formats

Games must be delivered in a format that can be accessed by the Classification Board.

Digital uploads for most consoles are accepted only through Box Cloud Storage via the Classification Portal. This list provides other acceptable formats, however it is not exhaustive and is subject to change.

Traditional game platforms 

Virtual Reality (VR)

Please contact us if you require confirmation that your game is compatible with our equipment.

Authorised Assessment

An application for Authorised Assessment can only be made by a content assessor authorised through the Authorised Assessor for Computer Games (AACG) scheme. The scheme allows an authorised person to evaluate a computer game and include the assessment with the application for classification.

What is an authorised assessment?

An authorised assessment is a highly detailed report on the computer game that is used by the Classification Board to help make their decision. It includes a recommendation for appropriate classification and consumer advice.

Computer games that are likely to be classified G, PG or M, are eligible for authorised assessment.

Other ways to classify

Instead of applying to the Classification Board or using the AACG scheme, games can also be classified by:

• an approved classification tool or
• an accredited classifier.

When a classification decision is made for a computer game in Australia, it applies to all formats of that computer game provided they are identical or have modifications exempt from classification.

For further information, please visit the classify once principle page.