GRAND THEFT AUTO IV

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GRAND THEFT AUTO IV:

(Approval for sale): 3.

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (a) why was Grand Theft Auto IV, a computer game that allows players to simulate driving drunk, stealing cars, dealing in drugs, visiting strip clubs, robbing ladies and knocking down pedestrians, allowed by the Media Development Authority (MDA) to be sold in Singapore; and (b) how does MDA's approval for the sale of the game align with the concerted efforts of Ministry of Home Affairs to encourage Singaporeans of all ages to stay clear of crime, drugs and gangsterism.

The Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts (RAdm [NS] Lui Tuck Yew) (for the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts): Mr Speaker, Sir, Media Development Authority (MDA) launched Video Games Classification in April this year to allow more choice for adult gamers while according the appropriate level of protection for the young. The ratings and content advisory allow parents to make informed choices about the video games available in the market. At the same time, MDA has put in place enforcement measures and has also

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embarked on public education initiatives to promote the broader theme of gaming wellness while raising awareness of the classification system.

Under the Video Games Classification system, the game Grand Theft Auto IV was released with an M18 rating, that is, it is restricted for sale to those who are 18 years and above. When rating the game, the MDA took careful consideration of the content, themes and storyline found in the game, recognising that adults are better equipped to discern fact from fiction.

The rating given to the game is in line with that in other countries which have similar rating systems. In the US, the game was rated "Mature", indicating that the game is meant for those 17 and above. The UK and Europe gave the game an 18 rating, while in Australia the game was given their highest rating of MA15+. It is also rated 18 in Japan.

Local retailers are required to check the age of customers at the point of sale. The MDA has ensured that video game retailers comply with the age restriction by conducting checks on the retailers and distributing the classification guidelines to the retailers.

With regard to public education, MDA has been reaching out to gamers, children, parents and game retailers through publicity materials and the media to educate the public about the classification system, and to address parents' concerns about video games. They are also working with industry and community to reach out to the public through major events such as the World Cyber Championships that were held here in August.

In summary, recognising that game contents do at times contain mature themes, MDA has put in place a classification system, enforcement mea

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sures and public education initiatives to encourage responsible and healthy gaming in Singapore. Parents with young children should also exercise judgment when they purchase games for their children.

Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah): Thank you, Minister, for the reply. Does the Minister appreciate that the M18 rating is largely artificial, given that students or children under 18 can easily access the voluminous number of copies already in the market? If so, the question ought really to be whether this game should enter the market in the first place?

RAdm [NS] Lui Tuck Yew: I think what we have in place is an enforcement measure to try and prevent retailers from, first of all, selling games to those who are underaged. I recognise that the games that are already available may be passed from friend to friend. But part of the process, I think, is in educating gamers as well as the general public of the need to take appropriate measures, including parents, so that they are mindful of the activities that their children are into, as well as a cyber wellness programme to help educate our children about the overall impact of playing such games.

Mr Christopher de Souza: Sir, it says on the MDA website that the feedback mechanism includes interested parties like gaming industry key players and gamers themselves. Would not a more objective feedback mechanism include, say, people who deal with youth crime, like Deputy Public Prosecutors and Community Court Judges, to see the real effect, if any, of the game on offenders' propensity to commit crime?

RAdm [NS] Lui Tuck Yew: We certainly welcome feedback from all interested parties. We have been monitoring the reaction to Grand Auto Theft IV. So far, there has been no reaction from our gaming community, as well as from the

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larger public, to the introduction of this game into Singapore.