What are the "Games"?

Under "the Game Industry Promotion Act", the definition of Game material includes programs, video clips, machinery and devices which are used for leisure, learning and exercise.

Are all games required to receive a rating classification?

Every game material (PC packages, PC online, Mobile, Arcade, Video-Console, Downloaded, Embedded games, etc.) has to be presented and receive a rating classification for each platform from GRAC, IRCB and GCRB (If the game is made for Computer and Console, it is required to be rated for each platform.) Under "the Game Industry Promotion Act", anyone who intends to produce or distribute games for the purpose of selling or providing them for public use shall obtain a rating of their content by the Board(GRAC or GCRB, IRCB) prior to their production and distribution.

Exceptions:

* game materials for exhibitions or tournaments recommended by an administrative authority

* game materials commissioned by a Presidential degree for educational, religious, or public interests purposes.

Enforcement rating Usable Age Platform All 12+ 15+ 18+ Mobile Games 1. IRCB(Independent Rating Classification Business Entity)***

such as Google(Play Store), Apple(App Store), OneStore

2. GCRB** (Option) GRAC* PC·Online Games Console Games Arcade Games GRAC*

GRAC* : Game Rating and Administration Committee("Committee")

GCRB** : Game Content Rating Board ("Agency")

IRCB***(Independent Rating Classification Business Entity): The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Republic of Korea may designate a business entity allowed to conduct independent rating classification for a prescribed period not exceeding three years among the business entities fulfilling the requirements referred to 'GAME INDUSTRY PROMOTION ACT' after being examined according to certain criteria.



■GRAC URL: http://www.grac.or.kr/english/Default.aspx

GRAC contact number: +82-51-720-6881



■GCRB URL: https://www.gcrb.or.kr/

GCRB contact number: +82-51-746-0027



How can I apply for the rating classification?

You can apply for GRAC rating classification online. Please note that Game with gambling(betting or dividends) contents as main elements or Games imitating Casinos are restricted for Rating application and may need Korean office or agency to proceed.



♣LINK: Application for Game Rating(https://www.grac.or.kr/english/GradeAccept/OpenMarket/OM_GradeDoc.aspx")

♣Contact email(IARC RC Rating Support): rc.globalratings@grac.or.kr

♣Contact email(IT Support): it.globalratings@grac.or.kr



What do I have to prepare to apply for the rating classification?

- Specification of the game (platform, genre, manual, etc)

- Contents Summary

- Game Representative Video (especially for violence, sexuality, crime, language, gambling, fear, and drugs)

- Game Files

- Certificate of Deposit (fees for the rating) *option

- Certificate of Business Entity

- Certificate Verification (to use online system or Email)

- Contact information



* Remark: If the submitted application and game contents suggest that the product is NOT a "Game", GRAC may ask you to withdraw the rating classification application. GRAC may require additional information and materials if necessary in compliance to Article 22-1, Game Promotion Act.

What is the process to get the rating?

All the games distributed in Korea must get the rating by GRAC, IRBC or GCRB by the law.(Games in Open Market Contents under 18, it is allowed to rate by each IRBC Store(i.e. Google, Apple, Samsung, etc) Designated by GRAC. Or, if you want to get the rating by GRAC, it can be possible.)

How much are the fees for rating?

Enforcement rating Default Network Genre Language PC

(include Download games over 300MB) ₩ 360,000 Network : x1.5



Non Network : x1.0 Group1 : x4.0

Group2 : x2.0

Group3 : x1.0 Korean :

x1.0



Non Korean :

x1.5 Console ₩ 320,000 Portable Portable

Machine ₩ 200,000 Mobile

(Non Open

Market) ₩ 60,000 ETC

( Mobile Open Market , IPTV,

Flash, Download games) 10MB ₩ 30,000 10~100MB ₩ 40,000 100~300MB ₩ 80,000 Arcade ₩ 450,000 Betting : x3.0

Non Betting : x1.0

See the flowchart regarding the rating process in Republic of Korea below.

※ Cost Formula: Default amount(Platform) x Network coefficient x Genre coefficient x language coefficient

※ Fees for Reclassification: x0.75

※ Fees for Test version: x0.3

※ Fees for Technical Deliberative: +\1,000,000

※ For small business(under 50 employees and 5 billion yearly sale), partial remission(30%) applicable

(except for gambling games and 18+ arcade games)

※ Games in ETC, individuals can apply for the rating game by Individual Certificate Verification

※ Group of Genre

- Group1: RPG, Gambling(Poker, etc)

- Group2: FPS, Casual Action(Matchup, Rhythm, Fight, etc), Adventure, Simulation

- Group3: Board(Puzzle, Quiz, Go, etc), Flight Shooting, Sports(Racing, etc), For Education



* Remark: Under certain agreements, some applicants may be exempted from fees

※ Please note that violation of the Game Promotion Act may result refusal of classification application and if refused, rating fees will not be refunded.

How can I find and use the ratings to determine if a game is appropriate for my family?

The Age Ratings and Content Descriptors were developed to serve as a guide to help consumers make informed decisions about which games might be appropriate for their children and family. Clearly displayed on the front of every arcade game machine, computer and video game package, on the upper right side of online game screens, the starting screen of mobile games sold in Korea, you will find an Age Rating Symbol and Content Descriptors that suggest age appropriateness for the game. Please check Age ratings and content descriptors before enjoying your game.