Classification Categories
Today’s video games tend to be complex and graphically realistic. They are not just for kids anymore, with more game-playing adults among their intended audience. Hence, more some games nowadays may contain mature themes.
In light of this, the Video Games Classification system was introduced in April 2008, with the aim of providing more choices for adults, and at the same time protecting the young from games that are unsuitable for them. As such, classification ratings serve as a tool for consumers and parents when choosing games for their children.
The Video Games Classification system consists of two ratings:
1. M18 (Mature 18)
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· Restricted title, suitable for those 18 years and above
· Such games will be required to carry an M18 sticker and consumer advice (e.g. Violence & Gore) highlighting the contentious areas for which the rating was given
· Businesses are to conduct point-of-sale checks to ascertain customer’s age
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· Games with mature themes, or which contain realistic depictions of violence and drug use, nudity and frequent use of strong coarse language, will be classified as M18
2. Age Advisory “Suitable for 16 & above”
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· Games in this category will carry an age advisory label with the text “Suitable for 16 & above”
· Such games usually contain some controversial content and are not recommended for the young
· Under the content guidelines, games with content which contains moderate level of violence, portrayal of implied sexual activity, nudity without details, coarse language and depiction of illegal drug use may be required to carry an Age Advisory label
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· Businesses are required to print the Age Advisory label and affix it to the box(es) of the game
Games that do not fall into the above two categories, but are approved for distribution, are not required to carry any rating stickers. However, this is not an indication that the game is appropriate for young children. Consumers are still advised to find out more about the game content before purchase.
Businesses can refer to the guidelines for the content standard for video games.
Declaration System & Classification Process
Those involved in the business of importing/distributing video games in Singapore are required to declare the game title to MDA. Declarations can be made via MDA online.
To use the declaration system:
· Please download a copy of the registration form and fax the completed form to 6577-3602
· Companies may also use this form for TradeNet Permit Auto-approval application. For more details, please visit the 'Importation of Video Games’. MDA will issue an acknowledgement upon receipt of the form
· To facilitate payment of classification and other fees (if applicable) you may apply for GIRO. Please fill up GIRO application forms: Part A (Application form for Interbank GIRO) and Part B (GIRO Direct Credit Authorization)
· Payment can also be made by NETS or cheque at MDA customer service located at 3 Fusionopolis Way, #14-22 Symbiosis
- The process in which a game will be classified is as follows:
• For new games:
· Declare the game via MDA online, with the required information using the online questionnaire (businesses can download a copy of sample questions found in the questionnaire). Details of how to make declaration is available in the user guide
· Companies are required to submit a copy of the game and/or an evaluation package, which includes gameplay video of contentious segments and game content information, to MDA for evaluation, if the title is deemed to contain mature content. All other titles need not be submitted once the declaration has been approved. However, MDA reserves the right to call in any title for checks
· Where a game is rated M18, the BFC will issue the certificates to be affixed to the games
· For Age Advisory titles, the business should affix the Age Advisory label on the game boxes
· MDA conducts random checks on the declarations. It will also call in specific game titles to determine if it meets our guidelines, based on public feedback
• For games already rated or approved by BFC:
· Declare the title on MDA online and observe the decision given
· For M18 titles, a copy of the game and/or an evaluation package, which includes gameplay video of contentious segments and game content information will need to be submitted. MDA will issue certificate(s) to be affixed to the box(es) of the game
A distributor may distribute a video game after declaring that it is not objectionable according to our guidelines and after MDA has approved it for distribution.
When assigning a rating to a game, various concerns are taken into consideration, including theme, violence, nudity, sex, language, and drug use. Details on the Video Games Guidelines can be downloaded here. Where a game is classified M18, the distributor must comply with the age restrictions.
For controversial games, the MDA will hold a board meeting among its officers and consult the Films Consultative Panel for input before making a decision. If a distributor is not satisfied with the decision, he may appeal to the Films Appeal Committee (FAC) which comprises 15 citizens from various fields of expertise. The decision of the FAC is final.
Video Games Ratings Database
To enable the public to search for rating information of video games, a database is available.
Consumers are encouraged to use the Video Games Ratings Database to search for the rating information of video games. The database has information on all video game titles that are approved for distribution/sale in Singapore.