1.

Amendment to the Game Rating Classification Regulations

The GRAC announced an amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations (“Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations”) in light of the changes in the game environment and the current trends (available in Korean, Link).

The Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations introduces numerous revisions, the most notable of which is the reclassification of factors considered in the rating process into seven categories, aligning with the current game content information labeling requirements (Article 5 of the Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations). Specifically, the former category of “violence and horror” will be split into two separate elements: “violence” and “horror.” Likewise, the previous category of “crime and drugs” will be split into “crime” and “drugs.”

Furthermore, under the Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations:
 

(i)

The period for submitting a content update notification to the GRAC will be extended from 7 to 10 days. Additionally, the GRAC will be able to reject a notification after issuing a request for corrections, if the applicant fails to complete the required corrections within the 10-day period (Article 28, Paragraph (4) of the Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations).
 

(ii)

The detailed criteria for each rating element and the standards for determining speculative characteristics have been substantially deleted or clarified (Articles 8 to 10-2, 12 and 17 of the Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations).
 

(iii)

Recent changes to the Game Industry Promotion Act, such as the obligation to disclose loot box drop rates, are incorporated (Articles 13 and 15 of the Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations).
 

(iv)

The annex, which includes forms, is revised to reflect changes made to the regulations.
 

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Previously, games that depicted mild sexual themes visually, but did not include such references in audio or dialogue, were eligible for a rating of “12+.” Under the Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations, these criteria will be expanded so that games featuring mild sexual references not only in visuals but also in audio or dialogue may still qualify for a “12+” rating. As a result, games that include mild sexual content through audio or dialogue, as well as imagery, can be rated as suitable for players ages 12 and up.
 

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Previously, games featuring player-versus-player (“PvP”) matches were rated as “Everyone,” “12+,” “15+,” or “19+,” depending on the presence and the specific nature of the losses, rewards and penalties for winning and losing the PvP matches. Under the Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations, the criteria specifically concerning PvP games will be removed for “Everyone,” “12+,” and “15+” ratings. As a result, there will be more flexibility in the ratings given for games with PvP features, as long as the PvP modes do not include predatory rewards or penalties based on match outcomes, which would still be rated 19+.
 

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Previously, the criteria for horror elements were vaguely defined, stating that games would be rated “19+” if they contained excessive, graphic, or repeated depictions likely to invoke disgust or fear. The Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations will make these guidelines more specific by listing examples such as characters, visual effects, audio effects, and language that create psychological anxiety, tension, or a sense of horror, as factors that may trigger a higher age rating.
 

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Previously, games received a “19+” rating if they depicted criminal acts directly or if players could freely commit crimes through in-game choices. The Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations will use a broader standard, stating that only games featuring concrete and explicit depictions of crime will receive a 19+ rating. However, the annex (Annex 2: Game Content Information Description) requires a description of whether criminal acts are explicitly shown, whether those acts are player-driven, and whether there is any glorification of crime. In practice, this means that the rating process will remain largely the same as before.
 

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The Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations clarifies the standards of speculativeness assessment by providing that “card games and Hwatu, which are Go-Stop and Poker-type games using standard images and rules, are subject to the assessment of speculative elements.” In this regard, games that take the form of card games but with distinctive rules, may be assigned a rating of “15+” or lower.
 

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The annex form has been thoroughly revised in consideration of the Proposed Amendment to the Rating Classification Regulations, with many formalities removed.

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In Section 2, Game Content Information of the Game Content Information Description (Annex 2 Form) to be submitted when applying for game rating, a new sub-section titled “Other Speculative Elements” has been added. This sub-section requires indicating whether items obtained within the game can be converted into cash, whether they can be transferred, assigned, or gifted outside the game through direct or indirect methods to provide economic benefits, or whether they can be offered as tangible or intangible rewards (such as prizes, gift certificates, coupons, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, etc.) through distribution processes. This amendment reflects the GRAC’s position that Play to Earn (“P2E”) games are prohibited and aims to enhance monitoring of whether a game contains any speculative elements.
 

2.

Amendment to the GRAC Operational Regulations

The GRAC announced a proposed amendment to the GRAC Operational Regulations to improve its operation systematically and expand user engagement (available in Korean, Link) (“Proposed Amendment to the GRAC Operational Regulations”). The major points of this amendment are as follows: