A MUCH-AWAITED ratings system for video games will kick in here from April 28, giving adults a wider choice of games, including ones that would have been banned in the past.

The ratings system, in the works for two years, will employ just two classifications for now:

• Age Advisory, for games with implied sexual activity and a moderate level of violence. These games are meant for those 16 and above.
• Mature 18 (M18), for older gamers, for titles that contain, say, nudity and realistic violence.

Some games, such as those which depict rape, language offensive to religion and sadistic violence, will continue to be banned.

From April 28, stickers will be placed on all rated games to warn buyers and parents. Retailers will have to check a buyer's age before M18 games can be sold.

Penalties for flouting the rules are still being worked out.

Singapore's move to open up the electronic entertainment scene comes years after similar initiatives in Australia and the United States.

The new system here means adults will get a wider choice, while retailers will be clearer on what is allowed, said the Media Development Authority (MDA) yesterday.

The system also gives parents a clearer guide to what is acceptable.

MDA began opening things up last November, when it started an interim M18 rating to allow games with some objectionable content. Eight titles, including Conan, which features violence and nudity, have been passed since then.

Gamers have cheered the news of the new ratings system. It means that a popular title like Grand Theft Auto IV, which could have been banned here for its violent content, may be available for sale when it is released on April 29.

Retailers also said the move would boost business. Previously, they said, they did not bring in many titles because they were not sure if they would be banned.

The new system makes things a lot clearer, said those interviewed by The Straits Times.

However, Ms Lynn Teh, 31, art director and mother of a two-year-old boy, felt more could be done. She said: 'It'd be better if there were more tiers, so parents can immediately tell that a game is suitable for kids between four and eight years old.'

In response, MDA said that the new system is just a start, and it would gather feedback from parents and the industry and refine it.

It added that in future, game wholesalers and retailers may also be licensed, to ensure that they do not sell rated games to those who are underaged.

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