Censor has sights on video games

Chief Censor Bill Hastings wants a review of the labelling and classification of computer games in New Zealand.

In the latest annual report of the Office of Film and Literature Classification, tabled in Parliament yesterday, Mr Hastings said that unlike films, computer games that were not restricted did not have to be rated or labelled in New Zealand.

But times had changed, he said: "Games have become more realistic and hugely popular. Some are developed solely for an adult audience. Foreign labels don't reflect Kiwi standards and research shows many people don't understand them."