The Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) announced that starting November 2, it will implement Phase 2 of the private sector transfer, handing over mobile game rating classification duties to private entities. The transfer covers mobile games of all content ratings, from All Ages to Adults Only.
Following the transfer, mobile game rating classification and content modification reporting will be unified and processed by the Game Content Rating Board (GCRB), an organization under the Game Culture Foundation. To this end, the two committees signed an official contract on the 23rd to finalize the operational transfer plan.
The transfer also includes games that received rating classification prior to November 2. Games currently undergoing review will be handed over to the Game Content Rating Board after a review decision is reached. GRAC will continue to oversee certain areas, such as arcade games and games with high gambling concerns, to maintain a public safety net.
This move was carried out in accordance with national policy tasks aimed at government regulatory innovation and strengthening private sector capabilities. As a follow-up measure to Phase 1 of the private transfer for Adults Only rated games last year, the scope of the transfer now expands from PC/online and video/console platforms to mobile.
GRAC Chairman Seo Tae-geon said, "Based on last year's successful Phase 1 transfer in the PC and console sectors, we have prepared for this Phase 2 mobile transfer without a hitch. We will work closely with the Game Content Rating Board to prevent confusion on the ground and make every effort to provide a more professional and flexible rating classification service."
Established to build a fair, private-led rating classification system, the Game Content Rating Board plans to leverage its accumulated review experience to guarantee autonomy in the gaming industry while offering flexible and transparent rating classification services.
