[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) has sparked controversy by reclassifying the age rating of some subculture games, including Nexon Games' mobile game 'Blue Archive,' as 'Restricted to Adults.' Users are criticizing the committee's unfairness through a national petition and are even calling for the abolition of the committee.
According to the National Assembly's 'National Petition' on the 13th, the petition titled 'Abolition of the Mandatory Pre-Review of Online, Package, Console, and Mobile Games,' which was posted earlier this month, had gathered approximately 39,000 signatures as of that morning.
This petition was raised after the GRAC recommended reclassification of ratings for some subculture games such as Blue Archive and 'Fate/Grand Order' last month.
In the case of Blue Archive, it is known that some female communities raised concerns that certain scenes in the game sexualize minors. Blue Archive is a game where beautiful girl characters attending various schools in a virtual world fight under the guidance of a player called the teacher. It was previously rated suitable for ages 15 and older.
Nexon stated, "Blue Archive received recommendations from GRAC in September to modify game resources or raise the age rating," and added, "We have decided to separate the service into an 18+ version and a 'Teen version.'"
Netmarble's Fate/Grand Order also faced a rating reclassification decision after GRAC judged that some illustrations in the game were inappropriate for the current game rating.
Users of both games have protested, saying that the committee took these measures without any background explanation and suspect that the complaints originated from members of certain internet communities. They claim they have become victims of so-called 'targeting' by specific community users.
Users are even mentioning the abolition of the GRAC. In the petition, they argue, "Like advanced countries overseas, South Korea should abolish the mandatory pre-review of games by law and completely transfer game rating responsibilities to the private sector."
The GRAC explained that it has been continuously monitoring the games in question and, after receiving numerous complaints recently and reviewing them from multiple angles, recommended reclassifying the rating to 'Restricted to Adults.'
A GRAC official said, "Our main task is post-management, and regardless of the game's release timing, we monitor and take action as needed. We comprehensively review whether the content fits the rating, and if we determine that the game's content does not match the current rating, we discuss with the game company and may reclassify the rating."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
