Electronic games
When people think of the classification system, videogames are not usually the first thing that springs to mind. Originally, videogames were oriented towards a younger audience, but this is no longer the case. The modern computer and videogame market is equally focused on adults. This shift, along with rapidly advancing technology, means that there are more depictions of realistic violence and other adult-themed material in today’s games.
Under our classification system, some video and computer games are classified and have age restrictions placed on them in the same way that films, DVDs and other publications do. For example, if a game has been classified R18 with a note “contains violence”, the violence in the game has been judged to be as strong as the violence in an R18 DVD or film with the same note.
Labeling of video and computer games
Unrestricted
Under section 8 of the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act 1993 unrestricted games are exempt from carrying a New Zealand classification label. However, if the game has been classified as unrestricted by the New Zealand Office of Film and Literature Classification or the Film and Video Labelling Body you may apply for a New Zealand label from the Labelling Body.
Restricted
If you see a restricted label on a game—such as R16 or R18—it means that the game contains content such as sex, horror, crime, cruelty, violence or offensive language, and, as a consequence of its classification, it is illegal to make it available to people under the age of the restriction.
If you are concerned that a game has restricted content but does not have a New Zealand classification label you can search the Film and Video Labelling Body database to see if the game has already been rated or classified in New Zealand. If you have concerns about the supply or exhibition of a videogame, contact the Censorship Compliance Unit at the Department of Internal Affairs by emailing them at censorship@dia.govt.nz or calling them freephone on 0800 257 887. The Department of Internal Affairs is entitled to seize and submit to the Classification Office any video game not carrying a New Zealand label that it believes should be restricted or banned.
Banned games
The following have been classified as objectionable (banned) by the Office of Film and Literature Classification. This means that it is illegal to import, distribute or possess these games in New Zealand.
Reservoir Dogs
Manhunt and Manhunt 2
Postal 2
More information on games classification
The Office regularly updates its list of Classified Games (Excel 93.5 kb)
You can download the Guide to Video Game Labels (PDF, v7.0, 183kb) to find out more about the labels found on games sold in New Zealand.
Contact the Information Unit for further information about the videogames and the classification system.