An R18+ classification for games had been on the agenda for a decade after a long campaign from the interactive entertainment industry and gamers alike.

The highest games rating is currently MA15+ meaning games branded adults-only overseas are often banned for sale in Australia or shoehorned into a lower classification.

The Federal Government says the new laws will bring computer games in line with the classification system for films and other material and make Australia more consistent with international standards.

Update: The video games industry has today welcomed the introduction of an R18+ classification for video games.



The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association says the news "follows 10 years of hard work from industry organisations, specialist press outlets, retailers and consumers that have strongly supported the introduction of an adult classification for games".



IGEA CEO Ron Curry says while the legislation is "long overdue", the success of an adult classification for video games will depend both on the states and territories following suit as well as a set of classification guidelines that adequately reflect an adult rating.



"Key to this rating has always been the notion of harmonisation and while the amendments to the legislation are a true milestone, we need to be cognisant that we still require the timely support of all states and territories as well as workable guidelines to underpin a successful classification system.



"One of the key arguments in this debate is that we need a consistent classification to better equip all consumers in an increasingly global environment and where the digital delivery of games is ubiquitous. It would be very counterproductive to start splintering the classification system now that an R18+ rating has been passed by the Senate.



"We would also like to acknowledge the Minister for Home Affairs, Jason Clare as well as the previous Minister Brendan O’Connor who have both been pivotal in ensuring that this issue stayed on the agenda and was given due and proper consideration, despite some intensive lobbying from a small, yet vocal, percentage of the community.



"With an adult rating, we can now can now focus on the wider and more important issues that are impacting our classification system."

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