Australia will begin a trial of a new classification tool for mobile and online games next month in an attempt to ensure users and parents are “better informed” about games available for download Down Under.
Australia has partnered with the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) to initiate the 12-month trial, which will provide game creators a say in how their product is classified.
According to a press release, the classification tool will enable “participating online storefronts” to obtain “certification by completing a questionnaire about the content of their games”.
Unfortunately the trial features just Firefox Marketplace, and its Candy Crush-led PG lineup of mobile and desktop games, as the lone participating international storefront associated with the IARC.
So, no Steam and no Origin; severely limiting the effectiveness of the practice. Unless a local alternative is announced in the coming weeks, it would seem the new tool will lack any sort of effectiveness until it is applied to a broader spectrum of the gaming market.
“After close collaboration between the IARC and my Department over many months to ensure the tool meets Australia’s requirements, I have approved the IARC classification tool for an initial 12-month trial period to begin next month,” said Minister for Justice Michael Keenan in a statement.
“As part of the trial, the Classification Board will audit a large number of classifications made by the IARC tool to ensure they reflect the Australian community’s expectations and standards.
“The Board also has the power to revoke classifications made by the IARC tool if it decides it would have given the game a different classification.”
However boasting the likes Penguin Pop, UFart, Sheep and Happy Fox in the Firefox Marketplace arsenal, it seems unlikely the Board will be revoking too many classification any time soon.
Photo: Getty Images.
