VIDEO GAMES RATING SYSTEM

**

VIDEO GAMES RATING SYSTEM

**

**

(Effectiveness): **

1.

Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (a) how effective is the new video games rating system; (b) what plans are there to make it even more effective by adding more ratings; and (c) whether the Ministry will introduce the classification of video games for pre-schoolers and those below 12 years as they are very young.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: MDA launched Video Games Classification in April this year to allow more choice for adult gamers while protecting the young. The ratings and content advisory allow parents to make informed choices about the video games available in the market.

The feedback on the classification system has so far been positive, with parents showing appreciation of the ratings which they can use as a guide to find out which titles are not suitable for the young. The industry has also been supportive of the rating system and is complying with the new requirements.

As the Video Games Classification system has only been launched in April 2008, MDA will continue to monitor feedback from the public and the industry to see how the system can be improved and whether lower ratings are needed.

MDA encourages parents to take up a greater role in monitoring their children's gaming habits and when choosing games for their children. Parents are encouraged to find out more about a game before making a purchase for their children. Information and advisory about the games are available on MDA’s Video Games Rating Database on the MDA website.