Australian government introduces R18+ video game category

The Australian Federal Government has introduced legislation to establish an R18+ category for computer and video games in Australia.

The maximum legal classification for gaming in the country is currently MA15+, but any games not considered suitable for anyone above 15 are banned.

According to The ABC, the new legislation has come about after the Government received almost 60,000 submissions responding to a discussion paper on the matter.

Minister for Home Affairs Jason Clare said: "This will bring the classification categories for computer games into line with existing categories used to classify films and make the Australian classification regime more consistent with international standards."

Mark Serrels, editor for the Australian edition of gaming website Kotaku, added: "We need an R18+ rating so parents are aware of what games are suitable for children and what games aren't.

"This is something that has been going on for over a decade now, so it's really positive that this is happening."

A survey conducted by Galaxy in 2010 found that 80% of people taking part supported the introduction of adults-only categories for computer games.

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