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SA raises concerns over games ratings

South Australia has concerns at the classification of some violent computer games in Australia, which have been given higher ratings overseas.

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Source: AAP


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South Australia has raised concerns over classifications given to a string of new computer games.

Attorney-General John Rau says more than a dozen recently-released games have been rated MA15+ in Australia despite being given higher ratings in Europe and the US.

In Europe all of the games, including the popular titles The Walking Dead and Deadpool, were rated for adults only.

Mr Rau says Australia introduced an R18+ category in January and noted it had been applied to this week's release of the widely-anticipated Grand Theft Auto V.

He says he's concerned that the Australian Classification Board may not be assessing the games properly or that the guidelines need to be revised.

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He plans to take up the issue with the federal government.

"I want parents to have confidence that the video game rating system in Australia is consistent with community expectations," Mr Rau told reporters on Friday.

"It is quite obvious to me that some games should only be played by adults."

The minister said the games in question featured intense violence, blood, gore, nudity and suggestive themes.


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