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{{Short description|International media content rating initiative}}
{{Short description|International media content rating initiative}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
| name = International Age Rating Coalition
| name = International Age Rating Coalition
Line 7: Line 7:
| alt = International Age Rating Coalition
| alt = International Age Rating Coalition
| abbreviation = IARC
| abbreviation = IARC
| formation = December 2013<ref>https://globalratings.com/iarc10.aspx {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| formation = 2013
| type = [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]]
| type = [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]]
| status = company
| status = Company
| purpose = movie and video game classification
| purpose = Classification of digitally delivered video games and apps
| languages = Chinese, English, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish
| languages = Chinese, English, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish
| website = {{URL|globalratings.com}}
| website = {{URL|globalratings.com}}
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The '''International Age Rating Coalition''' ('''IARC''') is an initiative aimed at streamlining acquisition of [[content rating]]s for [[video game]]s, from authorities of different countries. Introduced in 2013, the IARC system simplifies the process of obtaining ratings by developers, through the use of questionnaires, which assess the content of the product.<ref name="About IARC" /><ref name="Kotaku AU cites IARC intro" /> This new process reduces the costs of video game developers as they seek to obtain ratings for their products that are distributed digitally online.<ref name="IARC explained by ON.net" />
The '''International Age Rating Coalition''' ('''IARC''') is an initiative aimed at streamlining acquisition of [[content rating]]s for [[video game]]s, from authorities of different countries. Introduced in 2013, the IARC system simplifies the process of obtaining ratings by developers, through the use of questionnaires, which assess the content of the product.<ref name="About IARC" /><ref name="Kotaku AU cites IARC intro" /> This new process reduces the costs of video game developers as they seek to obtain ratings for their products that are distributed digitally online.<ref name="IARC explained by ON.net" />


The effort was created through a coalition of rating authorities from around the world, including [[ESRB]] in North America, [[PEGI]] in Europe, [[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]] in Germany, [[Brazilian advisory rating system|ClassInd]] in Brazil, and the [[Australian Classification Board]], and first announced by PEGI's MD at the 2013 London Games Conference.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockley |first=Greg |date=2013-11-13 |title=LGC: PEGI unveils International Age Rating Coalition {{!}} Games industry news {{!}} MCV |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/lgc-pegi-unveils-international-age-rating-coalition/0124255 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123010311/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/lgc-pegi-unveils-international-age-rating-coalition/0124255 |archive-date=2016-01-23 |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=[[MCV (magazine)|MCV]]}}</ref><ref name="dealspwn.com cites IARC" /> In August 2014, the [[Australian Classification Board]] introduced amendments to allow for the automated classification process employed by the IARC.<ref name="IGN cites IARC" /> On 19 December 2017, [[South Korea]]'s [[Game Rating and Administration Committee]] (GRAC) became a member.
The effort was created through a coalition of rating authorities from around the world, including [[ESRB]] in North America, [[PEGI]] in Europe, [[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]] in Germany, [[Brazilian advisory rating system|ClassInd]] in Brazil, and the [[Australian Classification Board]], and first announced by PEGI's MD at the 2013 London Games Conference.<ref name="MCV UK cites IARC reveal" /><ref name="dealspwn.com cites IARC" /> In August 2014, the [[Australian Classification Board]] introduced amendments to allow for the automated classification process employed by the IARC.<ref name="IGN cites IARC" /> On 19 December 2017, [[South Korea]]'s [[Game Rating and Administration Committee]] (GRAC) became a member.


== IARC generic rating system ==
== IARC generic rating system ==
<!--
In addition to obtaining official age ratings from the coalition members, developers applying via IARC's process would also get a complimentary generic age rating for their software under IARC's name at any of the participating digital storefronts. These generic ratings can apply to any territory that does not have its own rating system and/or is not formally supported by any existing age rating bodies in the world. The rating also applies to territories whose own local rating body is not officially part of IARC's system yet, notably such as Japan's [[Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]] rating. IARC plans to introduce this generic rating system into more storefronts in hopes of streamlining the age rating process for game developers. Storefronts that currently support IARC and its generic rating system include [[Google Play]],<ref name="The Verge cites Google Play adopting IARC" /> [[Microsoft Store]] (both PC and [[Xbox Games Store|Xbox]] versions), [[Nintendo eShop]],<ref name="NL cites eShop adopting IARC" />{{efn|Nintendo adopted IARC's integrated questionnaire into the eShop worldwide in 2015, but Nintendo would not implement IARC's generic rating system for Japan, as a substitute rating for download-only titles lacking a CERO rating, until October 2020 at least for the [[Nintendo Switch]] eShop games.<ref name="4Gamer cites Japanese Switch eShop adopting IARC" /><ref name="JN blog cites Japanese Switch eShop adopting IARC" />}} [[Origin (service)|Origin]], [[PlayStation Store]], [[Reality Labs|Quest Store]] (formerly Oculus Store), [[Google Stadia|Stadia Store]], [[Amazon Luna|Luna store]], and Pico Store. The IARC age ratings are the following:
@@@@@****************************************************************@@@@@
| IMPORTANT NOTE: Please DO NOT add any comparisons to other countries' |
| ratings systems (i.e., adding, "this rating is similar to X-country's |
| rating", etc.), or examples of video games. We do not need any |
| comprehensive or all-inclusive lists of other ratings systems from |
| other countries, or of every single video game. This is NOT a place to |
| promote your country's system, or your favorite video games. Any edits |
| doing so are a violation of WP:TRIVIA, and will be reverted. Repeat |
| vandals will be blocked. Thank you for your cooperation. |
@@@@@****************************************************************@@@@@
-->
In addition to obtaining official age ratings from the coalition members, developers applying via IARC's process would also get a complimentary generic age rating for their software under IARC's name at any of the participating digital storefronts. These generic ratings can apply to any territory that does not have its own rating system and/or is not formally supported by any existing age rating bodies in the world, including territories whose own local rating body is not officially part of IARC's system yet.

The IARC age ratings are the following:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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| [[File:IARC 16+.svg|80px]] || '''16+''' || Video game or software content suitable for ages 16 and above only.
| [[File:IARC 16+.svg|80px]] || '''16+''' || Video game or software content suitable for ages 16 and above only.
|-
|-
| [[File:IARC 18+.svg|80px]] || '''18+''' || Video game or software content suitable for ages 18 and above only.
| [[File:IARC 18+.svg|80px]] || '''18+''' || Video game or software content suitable for ages 18 and above only (adults only).

|}
|}


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<!--ACB's M rating is recommended for audiences 15 years and up, not 13. But the rating is not restricted.-->
<!--ACB's M rating is recommended for audiences 15 years and up, not 13. But the rating is not restricted.-->
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" |Region/Participant
! colspan="21" |Age rating
! rowspan="2" |Other
! rowspan="2" |Notes
|-
|-
! Region/Participant !! 0/1 !! 2 !! 3 !! 4 !! 5 !! 6 !! 7 !! 8 !! 9 !! 10 !! 11 !! 12 !! 13 !! 14 !! 15 !! 16 !! 17 !! 18 !! 19 !! 20 !! 21 !!Other !!Notes
! 0/1 !! 2 !! 3 !! 4 !! 5 !! 6 !! 7 !! 8 !! 9 !! 10 !! 11 !! 12 !! 13 !! 14 !! 15 !! 16 !! 17 !! 18 !! 19 !! 20 !! 21
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left" | {{flagdeco|AUS}} [[Australia]] ([[Australian Classification Board]])
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left" | {{flagdeco|AUS}} [[Australia]] ([[Australian Classification Board|ACB]])
| colspan="14" style="background:white; color:black" | G
| colspan="14" style="background:white; color:black" | G
| colspan="3" style="background:purple; color:white" | M
| colspan="3" style="background:purple; color:white" | M
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | R 18+
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | R 18+
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="background:black; color:white" | {{abbr|2=Refused Classification (material classified RC is banned)|RC}}
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="background:black; color:white" | {{abbr|2=Refused Classification (material classified RC is banned)|RC}}
| rowspan="2" style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | <small>The restricted categories are MA 15+ and R 18+; the latter was introduced for video games at the start of 2013.</small>
| rowspan="2" style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | {{small|The restricted categories are MA 15+ and R 18+.}}
|-
|-
| colspan="14" style="background:yellow" | PG
| colspan="14" style="background:yellow" | PG
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| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="background:white; color:black" | {{tooltip|2=Check the Classification|CTC}}
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="background:white; color:black" | {{tooltip|2=Check the Classification|CTC}}
|-
|-
! style="text-align:left" | {{flagdeco|BRA}} [[Brazil]] (ClassInd)
! style="text-align:left" | {{flagdeco|BRA}} [[Brazil]] ([[Brazilian advisory rating system|ClassInd]])
| colspan="9" style="background:white; color:black" | L
| colspan="9" style="background:white; color:black" | L
| colspan="2" style="background:purple; color:white" | 10
| colspan="2" style="background:purple; color:white" | 10
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| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | 18
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | 18
| colspan="1" style="background:white; color:black" | N/A
| colspan="1" style="background:white; color:black" | N/A
| style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | <small>The same rating system is used for television and motion pictures in Brazil.</small>
| style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | {{small|The same rating system is used for television and motion pictures in Brazil.}}
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left" | [[ESRB]]<br>{{small|{{flagu|Canada|size=15px}}<br>{{flagu|USA|size=15px}}}}
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left" | [[ESRB]]<br />{{small|{{flagu|Canada|size=15px}}<br />{{flagu|USA|size=15px}}}}
| colspan="9" style="background:white; height:4em" | E
| colspan="9" style="background:white; height:4em" | E
| rowspan="2" colspan="3" style="background:purple; color:white" | E10+
| rowspan="2" colspan="3" style="background:purple; color:white" | E10+
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | T
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | T
| colspan="1" style="background:purple; color:white" | M
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="background:red; color:white" | M
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | AO
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | AO
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="background:white; color:black" | {{tooltip|2=Rating Pending|RP}}
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="background:white; color:black" | {{Tooltip|2=Rating Pending (used in promotional materials only)|RP}}
| rowspan="2" style="width:150px; line-height:75%;" | <small>This was adopted in 1994 in the United States, most of Canada, and Mexico. The E10+ rating was first used in early 2005. Games rated RP (Rating Pending) do not yet have a rating. Legally enforced in Ontario and Manitoba.</small>
| rowspan="2" style="width:150px; line-height:75%;" | {{small|This was adopted in 1994 in the United States, most of Canada, and Mexico. The E10+ rating was first used in early 2005. Games rated RP (Rating Pending) do not yet have a rating. Legally enforced in Ontario and Manitoba.}}
|-
|-
| colspan="9" style="background:white; height:4em;" | {{tooltip|2=Suitable for young children; deprecated as of 2018, but previous releases may still show the label|''EC''}}
| colspan="9" style="background:white; height:4em;" | {{tooltip|2=Suitable for young children; deprecated as of 2018, but previous releases may still show the label|''EC''}}
⚫
| style="background:purple; color:white" | {{Tooltip|2=Rating Pending|RP}}<br>Likely M
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left" | {{flagdeco|GER}} [[Germany]] (USK)
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left" | {{flagdeco|GER}} [[Germany]] ([[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]])
| rowspan="2" colspan="5" style="background:white; color:black" | 0
| rowspan="2" colspan="5" style="background:white; color:black" | 0
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | 6
| rowspan="2" colspan="6" style="background:black; color:white" | 6
| rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=10-year-olds are legally permitted to purchase and play 12-rated games|12}}
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | 12
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=10-year-olds are legally permitted to purchase and play 12-rated games|12}}
| rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="background:black; color:white" | 16
| rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="background:black; color:white" | 16
| rowspan="1" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | 18
| rowspan="1" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | 18
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="background:black; color:white" | [[Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons|<span style="color:white">BPjM restricted</span>]]
| colspan="1" style="background:black; color:white" | [[Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons|<span style="color:white">BPjM restricted</span>]]
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="width:150px; line-height:75%" |
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="width:150px; line-height:75%" |
|-
|-
| rowspan="1" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Games without a USK rating may only be supplied to or sold by adults, as long as the item is not in the Index.|No labelling}}
| rowspan="1" colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Games without a USK rating may only be supplied to or sold by adults, as long as the item is not in the Index.|No labelling}}
|style="background:black; color:white" | [[Amtsgericht|<span style="color:white; border-bottom:1px dotted">StGB confiscated (Banned)</span>]]
|-
|-
! style="text-align:left" | IARC
! style="text-align:left" | IARC
| colspan="2" style="background:white; color:black" | N/A
| colspan="6" style="background:white; color:black" | 3+
| colspan="4" style="background:white; color:black" | 3+
| colspan="5" style="background:purple; color:white" | 7+
| colspan="5" style="background:purple; color:white" | 7+
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | 12+
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | 12+
Line 105: Line 122:
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | 18+
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | 18+
| colspan="1" style="background:white; color:black" | N/A
| colspan="1" style="background:white; color:black" | N/A
| style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | <small>These ratings are used in most countries that aren't represented by or don't have any rating authority.</small><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.globalratings.com/ratings-guide.aspx |title=IARC Ratings Guide |publisher=International Age Rating Coalition |access-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820173558/https://www.globalratings.com/ratings-guide.aspx |archive-date=20 August 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | {{small|These ratings are used in most countries that aren't represented by or don't have any rating authority.}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.globalratings.com/ratings-guide.aspx |title=IARC Ratings Guide |publisher=International Age Rating Coalition |access-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820173558/https://www.globalratings.com/ratings-guide.aspx |archive-date=20 August 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left" | [[PEGI]]<br>{{Small|''{{flagu|Europe|size=15px}} except for Germany and Russia''<br>{{flagu|Israel|size=15px}}}}
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left" | [[PEGI]]<br />{{Small|''{{flagu|Europe|size=15px}} except for Germany and Russia''<br />{{flagu|Israel|size=15px}}}}
| rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="background:white" | N/A
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:white" | N/A
| rowspan="2" colspan="4" style="background:white" | 3
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white; height:5em" | {{tooltip|2=Voluntary compliance|3}}
| colspan="5" style="background:purple; color:white; height:5em" | {{tooltip|2=Voluntary compliance|7}}
| colspan="5" style="background:purple; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Voluntary compliance|7}}
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Voluntary compliance|12}}
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Voluntary compliance|12}}
| colspan="2" style="background:purple; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Voluntary compliance|16}}
| colspan="2" style="background:purple; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Voluntary compliance|16}}
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Voluntary compliance|18}}
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Voluntary compliance|18}}
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="background:white; color:black" | N/A
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="background:yellow" color:black" | {{tooltip|2=Parental Guidance Recommended|!}}
| rowspan="2" style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | <small>Legally enforced in some countries (but not all).</small>
| rowspan="2" style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | {{small|Legally enforced in some countries (but not all).}}
|-
|-
| colspan="5" style="background:black; color:white; height:5em" | {{tooltip|2=Legally enfored|7}}
| colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white; height:5em" | {{tooltip|2=Legally enfored|3}}
⚫
| colspan="5" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Legally enfored|7}}
| colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Legally enfored|12}}
| colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Legally enfored|12}}
| colspan="2" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Legally enfored|16}}
| colspan="2" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Legally enfored|16}}
| colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Legally enfored|18}}
| colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | {{tooltip|2=Legally enfored|18}}
|-
|-
! style="text-align:left" | {{flagdeco|KOR}} [[South Korea]] (GRAC)
! style="text-align:left" | {{flagdeco|KOR}} [[South Korea]] ([[Game Rating and Administration Committee|GRAC]])
| colspan="11" style="background:white; color:black" | ALL
| colspan="11" style="background:white; color:black" | ALL
| colspan="3" style="background:black; color:white" | 12
| colspan="3" style="background:purple; color:white" | 12
| colspan="3" style="background:black; color:white" | 15
| colspan="4" style="background:purple; color:white" | 15
| colspan="4" style="background:black; color:white" | 18
| colspan="3" style="background:black; color:white" | 19
| colspan="1" style="background:black; color:white" | Refused classification
| colspan="1" style="background:black; color:white" | Refused classification
| style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | <small>Some app stores require 18 + games to apply for a GRAC rating in order to be available in South Korea.</small>
| style="width:150px; line-height:75%" | {{small|Some app stores require 19 + games to apply for a GRAC rating in order to be available in South Korea.}}
|}
|}

== Notes ==
<references group="lower-alpha" />


== References ==
== References ==
Line 139: Line 154:
<ref name="About IARC">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalratings.com/about.aspx|title=About the International Age Rating Coalition - IARC|website=www.globalratings.com}}</ref>
<ref name="About IARC">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalratings.com/about.aspx|title=About the International Age Rating Coalition - IARC|website=www.globalratings.com}}</ref>


<ref name="Kotaku AU cites IARC intro">{{Cite web |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2014/03/the-government-is-in-the-process-of-changing-how-we-classify-games/ |title=The Government Is In The Process Of Changing How We Classify Games |first=Mark |last=Serrels}}</ref>
<ref name="Kotaku AU cites IARC intro">{{Cite web |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2014/03/the-government-is-in-the-process-of-changing-how-we-classify-games/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321231611/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2014/03/the-government-is-in-the-process-of-changing-how-we-classify-games/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 March 2014 |title=The Government Is In The Process Of Changing How We Classify Games |first=Mark |last=Serrels|date=19 March 2014 }}</ref>


<ref name="IARC explained by ON.net">{{Cite web|url=http://games.on.net/2014/03/the-iarc-explained-and-why-you-should-care/|title=The IARC explained, and why you should care: How streamlining classification will change the culture of games censorship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419144942/http://games.on.net/2014/03/the-iarc-explained-and-why-you-should-care/ |archive-date=19 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="IARC explained by ON.net">{{Cite web|url=http://games.on.net/2014/03/the-iarc-explained-and-why-you-should-care/|title=The IARC explained, and why you should care: How streamlining classification will change the culture of games censorship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419144942/http://games.on.net/2014/03/the-iarc-explained-and-why-you-should-care/ |archive-date=19 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="MCV UK cites IARC reveal">{{Cite web |last=Lockley |first=Greg |date=2013-11-13 |title=LGC: PEGI unveils International Age Rating Coalition {{!}} Games industry news {{!}} MCV |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/lgc-pegi-unveils-international-age-rating-coalition/0124255 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123010311/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/lgc-pegi-unveils-international-age-rating-coalition/0124255 |archive-date=2016-01-23 |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=[[MCV (magazine)|MCV]]}}</ref>


<ref name="dealspwn.com cites IARC">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dealspwn.com/international-age-ratings-system-160904 |title=New International Age Ratings System Launching Worldwide Next Year - Video Game Deals & UK News - Dealspwn.com |website=www.dealspwn.com |access-date=1 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322134006/http://www.dealspwn.com/international-age-ratings-system-160904 |archive-date=22 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="dealspwn.com cites IARC">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dealspwn.com/international-age-ratings-system-160904 |title=New International Age Ratings System Launching Worldwide Next Year - Video Game Deals & UK News - Dealspwn.com |website=www.dealspwn.com |access-date=1 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322134006/http://www.dealspwn.com/international-age-ratings-system-160904 |archive-date=22 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="IGN cites IARC">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/01/getting-digitally-distributed-games-classified-in-australia-to-be-cost-free |title=Getting Digitally-Distributed Games Classified in Australia to Be Cost-Free |first=Luke |last=Reilly |date=1 September 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="IGN cites IARC">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/01/getting-digitally-distributed-games-classified-in-australia-to-be-cost-free |title=Getting Digitally-Distributed Games Classified in Australia to Be Cost-Free |first=Luke |last=Reilly |date=1 September 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="The Verge cites Google Play adopting IARC">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/17/8231207/google-play-esrb-iarc-game-ratings |title=Google Play adopts industry standard for age ratings on mobile games |first=Andrew |last=Webster |date=17 May 2015 |website=[[The Verge]] |access-date=9 November 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="NL cites eShop adopting IARC">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/usk_reiterates_that_iarc_a_quick_and_global_age_ratings_option_will_come_to_the_eshop |title=USK Reiterates That IARC, A Quick and Global Age Ratings Option, Will Come to the eShop |first=Thomas |last=Whitehead |date=8 June 2015 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="4Gamer cites Japanese Switch eShop adopting IARC">{{Cite web |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20201008111/ |title=任天堂，「IARC汎用レーティング」による年齢区分を行ったソフトの国内配信を開始。CEROレーティングマークなし |author=Gueed |date=8 October 2020 |website=4Gamer.net |access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="JN blog cites Japanese Switch eShop adopting IARC">{{Cite web |url=https://japanesenintendo.com/2020/10/09/switch-eshop-adds-iarc-rating-support/ |title=Japanese Switch eShop Adds IARC Ratings |first=Brian |last=Cooper |date=9 October 2020 |website=Japanese Nintendo |access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref>


}}
}}

Latest revision as of 00:43, 23 November 2024

International Age Rating Coalition
AbbreviationIARC
FormationDecember 2013[1]
TypeNGO
Legal statusCompany
PurposeClassification of digitally delivered video games and apps
Official languages
Chinese, English, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish
Websiteglobalratings.com

The International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) is an initiative aimed at streamlining acquisition of content ratings for video games, from authorities of different countries. Introduced in 2013, the IARC system simplifies the process of obtaining ratings by developers, through the use of questionnaires, which assess the content of the product.[2][3] This new process reduces the costs of video game developers as they seek to obtain ratings for their products that are distributed digitally online.[4]

The effort was created through a coalition of rating authorities from around the world, including ESRB in North America, PEGI in Europe, USK in Germany, ClassInd in Brazil, and the Australian Classification Board, and first announced by PEGI's MD at the 2013 London Games Conference.[5][6] In August 2014, the Australian Classification Board introduced amendments to allow for the automated classification process employed by the IARC.[7] On 19 December 2017, South Korea's Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) became a member.

IARC generic rating system

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In addition to obtaining official age ratings from the coalition members, developers applying via IARC's process would also get a complimentary generic age rating for their software under IARC's name at any of the participating digital storefronts. These generic ratings can apply to any territory that does not have its own rating system and/or is not formally supported by any existing age rating bodies in the world, including territories whose own local rating body is not officially part of IARC's system yet.

The IARC age ratings are the following:

Icon Rating Description
3+ Video game or software content suitable for ages 3 and above only.
7+ Video game or software content suitable for ages 7 and above only.
12+ Video game or software content suitable for ages 12 and above only.
16+ Video game or software content suitable for ages 16 and above only.
18+ Video game or software content suitable for ages 18 and above only (adults only).

Comparison table

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A comparison of participants, showing age on the horizontal axis. Note however that the specific criteria used in assigning a classification can vary widely from one country to another. Thus a color code or age range cannot be directly compared from one country to another.

Key:

  •  White  – No restrictions: Suitable for all ages / Aimed at young audiences / Exempt / Not rated / No applicable rating.
  •  Yellow  – No restrictions: Parental guidance is suggested for designated age range.
  •  Purple  – No restrictions: Not recommended for a younger audience but not restricted.
  •  Red  – Restricted: Parental accompaniment required for younger audiences.
  •  Black  – Prohibitive: Exclusively for older audience / Purchase age-restricted / Banned.
Region/Participant Age rating Other Notes
0/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Australia (ACB) G M R 18+ RC The restricted categories are MA 15+ and R 18+.
PG MA 15+ CTC
Brazil (ClassInd) L 10 12 14 16 18 N/A The same rating system is used for television and motion pictures in Brazil.
ESRB
 Canada
 USA 		E E10+ T M AO RP This was adopted in 1994 in the United States, most of Canada, and Mexico. The E10+ rating was first used in early 2005. Games rated RP (Rating Pending) do not yet have a rating. Legally enforced in Ontario and Manitoba.
EC
Germany (USK) 0 6 12 16 18 BPjM restricted
No labelling StGB confiscated (Banned)
IARC 3+ 7+ 12+ 16+ 18+ N/A These ratings are used in most countries that aren't represented by or don't have any rating authority.[8]
PEGI
 Europe except for Germany and Russia
 Israel 		N/A 3 7 12 16 18 ! Legally enforced in some countries (but not all).
3 7 12 16 18
South Korea (GRAC) ALL 12 15 19 Refused classification Some app stores require 19 + games to apply for a GRAC rating in order to be available in South Korea.

References

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  1. ^ https://globalratings.com/iarc10.aspx [bare URL]
  2. ^ "About the International Age Rating Coalition - IARC". www.globalratings.com.
  3. ^ Serrels, Mark (19 March 2014). "The Government Is In The Process Of Changing How We Classify Games". Archived from the original on 21 March 2014.
  4. ^ "The IARC explained, and why you should care: How streamlining classification will change the culture of games censorship". Archived from the original on 19 April 2014.
  5. ^ Lockley, Greg (13 November 2013). "LGC: PEGI unveils International Age Rating Coalition | Games industry news | MCV". MCV. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  6. ^ "New International Age Ratings System Launching Worldwide Next Year - Video Game Deals & UK News - Dealspwn.com". www.dealspwn.com. Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  7. ^ Reilly, Luke (1 September 2014). "Getting Digitally-Distributed Games Classified in Australia to Be Cost-Free".
  8. ^ "IARC Ratings Guide". International Age Rating Coalition. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
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