Understanding Video Game Ratings in Australia & NZ

Buying a video game for a child but unsure if it’s appropriate? You’re not alone. Video game ratings can be confusing, especially if you’re used to movie classifications—but they don’t always align.

While Australia and New Zealand use the same rating system for movies and video games, video games are often rated more strictly due to their interactive nature. This guide breaks it down so anyone—parents, grandparents, or family friends—can make an informed choice when buying a game.

Video Game Ratings vs. Movie Ratings: What’s the Difference?

📌 Australia & NZ use the same classification system for movies and video games, but there’s a key difference:

✅ Games often receive higher ratings than movies with similar content.
✅ Why? Unlike movies, which are passive, games require active participation—players make choices, control the action, and interact with the content.

For example:

• A movie with mild violence may be rated PG, while a game with similar violence may be rated M or MA15+.
• A game with player-driven graphic violence will likely be rated R18+, even if a movie with similar themes is only MA15+.

🎬 Game vs. Movie Ratings Table (Australia & NZ)

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📌 Bottom Line:

• Games tend to get rated more harshly than movies with similar content.
• MA15+ and R18+ games are legally restricted, unlike M-rated content.
• If you’re buying a game, don’t assume the rating means the same thing as a movie—check the details!

🛑 Common Questions About Video Game Ratings

❓ Can a 12-year-old play an M-rated game?
Yes—M is a recommendation, not a restriction. It’s up to parental discretion.

❓ What’s the difference between MA15+ and R18+?
MA15+ is legally restricted to 15+ without an adult. R18+ is strictly for adults, often due to explicit violence or sexual content.

❓ Why are video games rated differently from movies?
Games require player interaction, which can intensify themes like violence, making ratings stricter.

❓ Are games ever banned in Australia & NZ?
Yes. Some games (e.g., Manhunt, Postal 2) have been refused classification due to extreme violence, sexual assault themes, or drug incentives.

Making the Right Choice

🎮 If you’re buying a video game for a child, always check the rating details—not just the letter on the box.

✔ M-rated games are recommendations; MA15+ and R18+ are legally restricted.
✔ Game content can be more intense than movies because of interactivity.
✔ When in doubt, check the Australian Classification Board’s website or use resources like Common Sense Media.

By understanding how video game ratings compare to movie ratings, you can confidently buy the right game for the right age group.

🔗 Where to Learn More

✅ Check Game Ratings on the Official Classification Website:

• Australian Classification Board
• New Zealand Classification Office

✅ See Parental Reviews on Game Content:

• Common Sense Media

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