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Starcraft II Gets Adults-Only Rating In Korea

News

by Jeff Cork on April 19, 2010 at 10:01 AM

5,800 Views

It’s no secret that StarCraft is one of the most popular games in Korea. Multiplayer matches of the sci-fi strategy game are broadcast regularly on Korean television, and professional players are treated like rock stars. The upcoming sequel sounds like a sure-fire success -- except for one little thing. According to the Korea Times, the country’s Games Rating Board has given StarCraft II an adults-only rating, a move that would obviously affect game sales.

The board has been getting stricter on depictions of violence, profanity, and drug use, which could be why the game has been given such a mark. According to the Korea Times, the government has also been trying to force game companies to include so-called fatigue systems into their games to keep younger players from engaging in marathon play sessions. Those systems introduce gameplay disadvantages after players exceed recommended playing times

Blizzard will have a chance to appeal within 30 days or resubmit an edited version of the game to get the equivalent of a T rating. A Blizzard Korea spokesperson told the paper that it was still considering its next move. "We have nothing to say at this point,” she said. “We are discussing our official position on the matter as well as what would be the right reaction.”

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Filed under: News, korea, blizzard entertainment, starcraft ii

Comments

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by KillerMunky1988 Monday, April 19, 2010 at 10:39 AM

Word son, word?
by scenicfall1 Monday, April 19, 2010 at 10:44 AM

thats stupid
by R10 Monday, April 19, 2010 at 10:45 AM

Wow, that's different. Must be awesome to get an AO rating. Now I might pick this up.
by WS-N Monday, April 19, 2010 at 10:46 AM

Wow, that's pretty weird.
by farlus Monday, April 19, 2010 at 10:47 AM

That's pretty hardcore. Way to encourage piracy, Korea.
by eyros2k Monday, April 19, 2010 at 10:54 AM

Wow... that's kind of crazy. What would the equivalent for the US be... like changing admission to all sport venues to 21+ x.x
by Keith Jackson Monday, April 19, 2010 at 11:11 AM

Wow. I could understand Diablo III, but Starcraft? Oh yeah, I forgot that green blood and blue laser fire is "graphic"...
by Nic Buss Monday, April 19, 2010 at 11:26 AM

A little bit overkill, Korea.
by burnteyez Monday, April 19, 2010 at 11:26 AM

Sounds like a rough deal for Blizzard. I'm sure they will find a way to get the rating they want, even if it means gamers in Korea will have an edited experience.

On a side note that fatigue system caught my attention. Exactly what kind of disadvantages would players face, and after how long?
by TBBucs20 Monday, April 19, 2010 at 11:27 AM

Wow that's pretty crazy. I bet if it is not changed, and when it is released over in here in America, it would probably just get a Teen Rating.
by Sev Monday, April 19, 2010 at 11:32 AM

That's such a heavy handed ruling.
by Ryan Monday, April 19, 2010 at 11:34 AM

You sure you didnt mean Australia in the title??
by shifter88 Monday, April 19, 2010 at 11:47 AM

korea is going to riot over that one, is there a difference other than graphics between the two??
by Facetious T Monday, April 19, 2010 at 11:49 AM

Sounds like the country is trying to get its people back.
by ScruffytheJanitor Monday, April 19, 2010 at 11:54 AM

Hmmm interesting decision. I'm sure it'll be as effective as Prohibition was in the US...wait...People should be allowed to make their own mistakes. If someone wants to play Starcraft til their eyes bleed then fine. Now I'm just some snot-nosed ignorant middle American but the business side of me is leaning on this being a very bad idea Korea.
by Harvester of Sorrow Monday, April 19, 2010 at 12:04 PM

Don't do it, Blizzard! Don't submit to dictatorships!
by Hellbound Monday, April 19, 2010 at 12:07 PM

is this north or south korea,or both?
by Hellbound Monday, April 19, 2010 at 12:07 PM

is this north or south korea,or both?
by Marcel McClellan Monday, April 19, 2010 at 12:09 PM

Yeah. Starcraft 2 REALLY needs an AO rating, due to all the man-on-alien sex....*rolls eyes*
by Meta77 Monday, April 19, 2010 at 12:18 PM

weird but korea has always been strict with their games.

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Starcraft II Gets Adults-Only Rating In Korea

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