Classify a computer game

This guide is for anyone applying to have a computer game classified. It includes classification for computer games that have been assessed by an Authorised Assessor.

There are four types of applications for computer games:

• Level 1 applications require written information about the game.
• Level 2 applications require written information and video of the game.
• 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.

There are four different types of applications, each with a different fee. 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’ll need to pay the difference before processing can continue for a demonstrated application.

Submit your application

Applications can be submitted via the Classification Portal.

Please submit the correct documentation, content and fees. Any omissions will delay the application.

Include with every application type

• A copy of the computer game
• A completed Application for Classification of a Computer Game form
• The correct fee

Application forms are available on the Classification Portal. All other documents and content should be uploaded and submitted through the portal.

Include with Level 1 applications

• A detailed description of gameplay
• Documentation of contentious material, including how access may be gained

Include with Level 2 applications

• A detailed description of gameplay
• Around 30–45 minutes of footage, including contentious material and standard gameplay.
• If your game is VR-enabled, a list of access codes to contentious material in the game (cheat codes)

Include with demonstrated applications

• A detailed description of gameplay
• A completed Checklist for Demonstrating a Computer Game form.

Include with authorised assessment application

• An authorised assessor report
• Around 30–45 minutes of footage.

Contentious material

Please refer to the download called User notes for completing Attachment One: Contentious Material for more information on contentious material.

Gameplay footage

If you are submitting physical media, provide footage on a separate device to the game.

If you feel more the 30–45 minutes of footage is required to properly demonstrate the game:

• include a document with time codes
• provide no more than 100 minutes of footage

Withhold a decision

If you require your classification decision to be withheld from being published on the National Classification Database for a short period of time, you will need to  provide your request on company letterhead and include the reasons for withholding the decision, and the date you would like the decision to be published. Please email your formal embargo request to applications@classification.gov.au. You will receive a confirmation email stating that your request has been applied.

For further information please email – applications@classification.gov.au or call +61 2 9289 7100.

Accepted game formats

Games must be delivered in a format that can be used by the Classification Board. This list of acceptable formats is not exhaustive and is subject to change.

Please contact us if you are unsure.

Nintendo

Nintendo 3DS

Acceptable formats for Nintendo 3DS games are:

• a playable version on a Nintendo 3DS game cartridge
• as a .cia file on an SD card

Nintendo Switch (debug console)

Submit all Switch games as a working version on a Nintendo Switch cartridge.

Sony Playstation

Sony PS4

Acceptable formats for the PS4 console are:

• digital upload
• a playable build for the PS4 (our preferred option)
• PKG files on a DVD, Blu-ray or a USB storage device

Xbox

Xbox One

The acceptable format for an Xbox One game is:

• digital upload
• a playable build on a DVD or Blu-ray

If a playable build is not available, please contact us in advance to discuss the current XDK available.

Personal computer (PC) games

The acceptable format for PC games is:

• digital upload
• an installable file delivered on a USB, CD or DVD

The file must be compatible with the latest version of Windows for PC. Clear installation instructions and any necessary codes to play the game must be included. 

Online games

If the PC game requires an internet connection to play, please submit:

• digital upload
• the latest version of the game to minimise downloaded content
• an active game account with login details

Virtual Reality (VR)

Sony PS4 VR

Acceptable formats for the PS4 console are:

• digital upload
• a playable build for the PS4 (our preferred option)
• PKG files on a DVD, Blu-ray or a USB storage device

Please ensure that the build is playable on the firmware version 4.10.

Oculus Rift

All games using the Oculus Rift VR must be compatible with the latest version of Windows and all installation instructions and redemption codes must be provided.

Please contact us to confirm that your game is compatible with our equipment. You can also provide a digital upload.

Samsung Gear VR

All games for Samsung Gear VR should be submitted on a compatible device.

The Authorised Assessor scheme

What is the scheme?

The Authorised Assessor scheme allows an authorised person to evaluate a computer game. The assessment is included with your application for classification.

What is an authorised assessment?

An authorised assessment is a highly detailed report on the computer game. It includes a recommendation for appropriate classification and consumer advice.

What is the benefit?

The assessment helps the Classification Board make their decision and thus attracts a much lower fee.

Who can become an authorised assessor?

Anyone can undertake training with the Classification Board to become an accredited Authorised Assessor. See 'Becoming an assessor' for course details, application forms and fees.

What isn’t eligible for authorised assessment?

The scheme does not apply to computer games where the accompanying assessment indicates it is likely to be classified higher than M.