USK Reviews and Changes Age Ratings of Roblox and other Game Creator Platforms
– 2 min read
The USK has once again checked Game Creator Platforms. Almost half of them were found to comply with the age rating standards, but not all. For example, the rating of Roblox has been raised to USK 16.
The IARC Committee of the USK Board has taken a closer look at Game Creator Platforms and has reviewed the age rating relevance of the individual platforms to ensure that they are up-to-date. Half of the almost 20 game creator platforms meet the standards for the protection of minors of the previous classification, all others have received a higher age rating. The reasons for this were the higher level of content relevant to the protection of minors in user-generated games, but also the lack of effective precautions such as age ratings according to German standards or poorly secured children's accounts.
"In many cases, the USK age rating for Game Creator Platforms has been USK 12. However, as the possibilities for the design of user-generated content have become more diverse in recent years, this can now also have an impact on the assessment of the offerings with regard to their relevance for the protection of minors. In addition, the USK also takes preventative measures on the platform side to take account of usage and communication risks. These preventive measures include integrated parental control systems, i.e. technical settings which enable parents to ensure that their children play in a safe and age-appropriate manner. A positive rating is also given if ratings are displayed according to German age groups within the platform. On the other hand, if no ratings are displayed or if they do not correspond to the German age groups, this has a negative effect on the rating for the protection of minors. The content actually available on the platform also plays a role in the rating. If, for example, shooters can be realistically recreated for younger age groups without restrictions, this can also lead to a higher age rating," writes the USK.
The age ratings for Dreams (USK 12), Fortnite (USK 12), Game Builder Garage (USK 6) and Trove (USK 12) have not changed. Castle Make and Play will retain its USK 12 rating, but will include additional criteria such as implied violence and age-appropriate content. The situation is similar for Luanti (USK 12), Mini World Creata (USK 12), Rec Room (USK 12) and Stuckd (USK 12); these platforms retain their rating, but detailed criteria have been added.
The ratings were raised for the following Game Creator Platforms: - Blockman Go from USK 12 to USK 16 (content for different age groups, increased incentives to buy, increased communication risks // chats, in-game purchases (+ random items)) - BlockStarPlanet from USK 6 to USK 12 (fantasy violence, content for different age groups // chats, in-game purchases) - GDevelop - 2D/3D game maker from USK 0 to USK 12 (fantasy violence, content for different age groups // in-game purchases) - Julian's Editor: Create & Play from USK 0 to USK 12 (fantasy violence, content for different age groups // chats) - KoGaMa from USK 0 to USK 12 (fantasy violence, content for different age groups // chats, in-game purchases) - Max2D: Game Maker, Game Engine from USK 0 to USK 12 (fantasy violence, content for different age groups // chats, in-game purchases) - Pocket Code: Learn programming from USK 0 to USK 6 (implied violence // chats) - Roblox from USK 12 to USK 16 (Violence, content for different age groups, increased purchase incentives // chats, in-game purchases (+random items))
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