Modifications to films and computer games that have already been classified generally cause the film or computer game to become unclassified and require classification. However, some modifications are exempt from this and allow you to use the decision for the original version.
This legislation outlines classification requirements for modified versions of films and computer games:
- sections 20A and 21 of the Classification Act
- Classification (Modifications of Films) Instrument 2015
- Classification (Modifications of Computer Games) Instrument 2015.
Modification rules do not apply to films or games that:
- are standalone to the original version (e.g. another film or game in a series, unrelated titles)
- have a different title from the original version.
When to use the existing decision
Films
You can use the original film’s rating and consumer advice on the modified version if the modification:
- includes or removes an advertisement
- adds or removes navigation functions
- adds or removes material that describes or translates the audio-visual content
- changes the format (e.g. from 2D to 3D, analogue to digital, black and white to colour)
- changes the colour grading, visual effects or audio level, and/or
- removes footage or audio from the original film.
This does not apply if any of these modifications are likely to cause the film to be given a different classification (rating).
Computer games
You can use the original computer game’s rating and consumer advice on the modified version if the modification:
- is minor and/or technical (i.e. does not make the modified computer game materially different to the original)
- does not have a major effect on game play
- is a patch or update that fixes problems or bugs
- enhances the graphics
- changes the format (e.g. from 2D to 3D, analogue to digital, black and white to colour)
- adds songs, characters, weapons, costumes, skins or vehicles, and/or
- adds environments, levels, missions, storylines or modes.
This does not apply if any of these modifications are likely to cause the computer game to be given a different rating.
When to classify the modified version
In other cases, the modifications are not exempt from classification and must be classified. If you are unsure if the modifications are exempt, you can classify it.
You can classify the film or computer game by:
- applying to the Classification Board
- using an authorised assessor scheme
- using an approved classification tool, or
- using an accredited classifier.
Films
The modified film must be classified if it contains any footage or audio not included in the original film.
Computer games
The modified computer game must be classified if it:
- contains a patch or update that makes previously hidden content accessible that is likely to change the rating of the computer game
- is a remake of a simple game with vastly improved graphics that cause the game to be unrecognisable
- adds items or environments that change the way a player interacts with the game, and/or
- allows the modified version to be played without the original.