Leading Australian video game retailers, including EB Games are coming together with lobby groups like Grow Up Australia to push for an R 18+ classification for video games.

Currently in Australia, the video games classification only goes up to MA 15+ with anything deemed to be above this class being automatically banned. The Australian National Classification Scheme is considering lifting the ban in order to reduce piracy and stop violent games sneaking in with MA 15+ ratings.

“We have been encouraged by the Commonwealth’s courage in championing this issue and we look forward to their continued courage in driving it to its logical conclusion — an R classification for video games” says Ron Curry, Chief Executive of the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association.

The decision is expected to be made in April when the State and Federal attorneys-general will meet to consider a discussion paper.