New look ratings for games

Games and films will carry new look ratings banners under changes unveiled by the Office of Film and Literature Classification.

While the actual classification levels for games have not changed, the design of the rating symbols has. The new colour coded symbols will also be consistent across films, DVDs and videos as well. "The classifications themselves have not changed - rather the appearance and consistency of the classification markings across all film, DVD's and computer games products," said Director of the OFLC, Des Clark. "We have extensively researched and tested these designs. The public - parents in particular - have told us that colour, size and consistent positioning on packaging and advertising make it easier for them to locate and use classification information."

Under the new system, the classification marking colour for G rated games will be green, yellow for PG, blue for M and red for MA15+. Games that do not fall within those ratings are still banned for sale in Australia. The classification markings for films, DVDs or videos that R or X rated will remain black and white, but have been changed to be consistent with the new design.