Adult-only games rating to start 2013

Computer games could be given adult-only ratings from the start of 2013 after a decade-long battle.

The federal government has introduced laws that fulfil its part of a deal with states and territories to include an R18+ rating in the games classification system.

Currently the highest rating is MA15+ which can mean that games for sale to adults only overseas have to be modified to meet the Australian rating requirements or not sold in the market at all.

The new laws would bring computer games in line with the classification system for films and make Australia more consistent with international standards.

Home affairs minister, Jason Clare, told parliament recent research showed nine in 10 Australian homes had a device for playing computer games.

The average age of game players is 32 years and women make up almost half of all players.

"A lot of Australians are passionate about this reform," Clare told the lower house on Wednesday.

The Attorney-General's department received 58,437 submissions on a discussion paper about introducing an R18+ classification in 2009.

About 98 per cent of these supported the change.

Clare said the reform would be good for the economy too, with the Australian game industry predicted to reach $2.5 billion annually by 2015.

If the bill passes, the R18+ classification would be introduced from January 1, 2013.

Debate on the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (R18+ Computer Games) Bill 2012 was adjourned.

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