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People Power wins out as R18+ Video Game Classification Passes Parliament.

BRISBANE, Queensland–June.19, 2012—EB Games, Australia’s largest video game and entertainment software retailer, has today welcomed the introduction of an R18+ Classification for video games with the legislation passing through the Senate with bipartisan support yesterday.

In particular, EB Games would like to thank the 46,000 plus people that supported the introduction of an R18+ classification for computer games through the EB Games submission.

“In February 2010, EB Games responded to our consumers demand to have their voices heard on the issue of an R18+ classification for video games. At the time we were overwhelmed with the phenomenal response, as over 46,000 people took the time to contribute to our submission to the Attorney General’s department.” Debra McGrath, EB Games National Brand Manager.

This huge ground swell of support, showed the Government that this is an issue that is not only supported by the gaming industry but also by the majority of Australians.

According to McGrath “We could not be more pleased with yesterday announcement of a 1st January, 2013 introduction of an adult classification for video games. This legislation is well overdue and we would like to thank the entire Australian gaming community for their relentless efforts on this issue. In particular the gamers themselves. This is truly an example of people power making a genuine difference”.

EB Games believes that the introduction of an R18 classification when introduced on a National level will provide clear guidance for parents when choosing appropriate games for their children. It will also give the Australian Gaming Industry an equal playing field and mean that Australian consumers are not disadvantaged from their oversees counterparts.

“The introduction of an R18 classification is another small step in protecting the local Australian gaming industry and the large volume of jobs that it generates. It is critical that this legislation is rolled out consistently across all States and Territories. Once implemented, this new legislation will mean that Australian gamers are given a fair go and the local industry is not disadvantage by unedited/unregulated titles being imported into Australia” added McGrath.

EB Games collected over 30,000 hand signed submissions in just 2 weeks along with an additional 16,000 submissions that were collected online in conjunction with Grow Up Australia. This equated to an astonishing total of over 46,000 submissions in support of an R18+ rating. The submission weighed over 158kg when delivered to the Attorney-General’s office.

About EB Games

EB Games Australia head office is located in Queensland, with retail stores operating in every Australian State and Territory. EB Games Australia is part of GameStop Corp. Currently EB Games have 375 retail stores in Australia. The Company sells new and preowned video game software, hardware and accessories for video game systems from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft. In addition, the company sells PC entertainment software, related accessories and other merchandise. General information on EB Games can be obtained at the company’s website: http://www.ebgames.com.au.

Source: EB Games.