Use the IARC Global Rating Tool

The IARC Global Rating Tool (IARC tool) is approved to classify mobile and online computer games in Australia.

The conditions of the tool are set out in the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Global Rating Tool) Approval 2017.

What the IARC tool can classify

The IARC tool can be used to classify:

• online games that are distributed electronically, such as on online storefronts and those downloadable to devices,
• mobile apps that are also computer games, and
• games that can be played directly through a website.

It cannot be used:

• for rating mobile applications, such as gambling applications
• in cases where withholding a classification from the National Classification Database (NCD) is required.

How the tool works

Developers complete the IARC questionnaire when they set up a computer game on a participating storefront. The IARC tool will then generate a rating and consumer advice for that game.

The classification takes effect when it is published on the NCD. This is an automatic process and will occur when the storefront listing for a computer game:

• has a current publish date (not a date in the future), and
• is active on the storefront.

Using a traditional rating

If your computer game has an existing classification, you will need to upload the classification certificate on the storefront.

To use a traditional rating:

• the game must have been classified by the Classification Board or an accredited classifier before the IARC classification decision is made
• the game being published is identical (or contains exempt modifications) to a game that has already been classified
• the classification shown on the classification certificate or Confirmation of Classification (CCD) is published on the NCD, and
• an approved certificate or CCD is uploaded to the storefront and details on the certificate match the IARC record.

We review all traditional ratings and check they meet these requirements before they are processed.

Applying tool decisions to other formats

A tool decision for a computer game will apply in Australia to all other formats of that film or game, providing they are identical to the version classified by the tool or have modifications exempt from classification.

You can learn more on our classify once webpage.

Getting an approved classification tool certificate

The Classification Board can issue an approved classification tool certificate to developers and publishers if they need confirmation that a tool decision applies to a different format of the same computer game. For example, if you want to use an IARC classification to release a physical version of the game in Australia.

To apply for a tool certificate:

• the computer game needs to be digitally released
• the IARC tool classification decision must be published and displayed on the NCD
• the applicant must declare that the versions are identical, or any modifications are exempt from classification.

The Classification Board assesses the IARC tool classification before a tool certificate is issued. We may request further information including:

• confirming interactive elements, such as online interactivity or in-game purchases
• gameplay footage related to the content, such as contentious material.

The Classification Board may exercise its power under s22CH(1)(b) of the Classification Act to revoke and change the tool classification. In this case, the Classification Board will classify the content and produce a new classification decision. The new classification will then appear on the tool certificate and be publish on the NCD.

If the game is not published on the NCD, it can be classified by applying to the Classification Board or by an accredited classifier.

At this time, there is no cost associated with applying for a tool certificate.

For further information or to request a tool certificate, contact us at iarc@classification.gov.au.

Monitoring tool classifications

We monitor the performance of the IARC tool for quality assurance.

Developers will be notified when a tool classification is revoked and changed.

More information on the monitoring of tools can be found on develop a classification tool.

Advertising and storefront listings

There are rules that apply to how computer games are advertised and made available in Australia. This includes when computer games are classified by the IARC tool.

Different rules apply when advertising unclassified and classified computer games.

Unclassified computer games

The “Check the Classification” (CTC) message can only be used in advertising an unclassified computer game when the game has undergone an assessment of the likely classification. This assessment is not supported within the IARC tool.

Classified computer games

The classification decision must be published on the NCD before you may advertise a classified computer game.

Computer games classified by the Board or an AC, where the classification decision has been withheld from the NCD, cannot be advertised. This includes the use of Check the Classification or CTC messaging.

You must contact us to publish the withheld classification decision to the NCD if you wish to advertise the computer game before the embargo date provided in the application. Advertising a computer game before the embargo date provided in the application will render the embargo null and the decision will be published.

Learn more about advertising computer games and the classification markings.