- Classification Categories
- Classification Guidelines
- The Classification Process
- Video Games Ratings Database
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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, 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:
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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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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.
· Age Advisory is an advisory category, so companies are encouraged to exercise responsibility and not sell such titles to those below 16. |
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.
For more information on classification, please view the Video Games Classification brochure
here.
Guidelines are in place to ensure that the video games classification process takes into account community standards while also giving due consideration to a video game’s educational and artistic merit.
Under the content guidelines, games with content containing moderate levels 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.
Games with mature themes, realistic depictions of violence and drug use, nudity and frequent use of strong coarse language, will be classified as M18.
For more information on video games classification guidelines, please visit
here.
Those involved in the business of importing/distributing video games in Singapore are required to declare all new game titles to MDA. After a game has been submitted, MDA will give the game an appropriate rating.
When assigning a rating to a game, various concerns are taken into consideration, including theme, violence, nudity, sex, language, and drug use. The game is then given a rating according to the standards found in classification guidelines.
For controversial games, the MDA will hold a board meeting among its officers and consult the Films Consultative Panel (FCP) for input before making a decision.
Video Games Ratings Database
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did MDA introduce Video Games Classification? How does the classification help me as a parent? Do games come with consumer advice?
The FAQs will help to answer some of your questions.