게임등급분류제도의 국제적 조화와 발전방향에 관한 연구:국제등급분류연합(IARC)을 중심으로

Abstract

It is becoming very difficult to cope with the rising numbers of entertainment software (video games) and diversifying platforms with the existing, ex ante game rating system. Thus, the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) is considered to be an alternative to the old system. Currently, the IARC is comprised of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), Pan European Game Information (PEGI), Unterhaltungssoftware Seblstkontrolle (USK), the Australian Classification Board (ACB), ClassInd, and the Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) of Korea. For example, under the IARC system, an applicant may submit his or her application for a game rating to the Global Platform of Google by way of self-declaration, and then the ratings are given automatically and simultaneously for the game. The IARC system has its merits such as its convenience, its integrity being a participating rating authority, and its compliance with existing regulations of specific territories. Yet, it also has a problem with the participation of some platform service providers and has a weakness in its structure and operation of its system. However, the author suggests that there is no problem with its self-declaration process in its application. It is expected that the IARC will eventually have a clearer vision and set its goal, which is to encourage companies to join with it and stand together with regard to cultural relativism in order to deal with the common problems with the participating authorities. Most importantly, responsibility through checks and balances should be further implemented in the IARC.