Game development in South Africa and dealing with the Film and Publications Board
If you walk into any store to buy a game or movie, you’ll find a little blue triangle sticker containing the age restriction from the Film and Publications Board, who review and rate content.
Since I created a game recently, I decided to check what the classification process for a game is—and learned some interesting things for developers.
Put simply, only games/films sold or hired require classification—so if you’re developing a game or film that will be available for FREE, you don’t need classification! Below is the email from the head of the classification unit confirming that!
GREAT NEWS for hobbyist developers!
If you do plan to sell your game, you’ll need to:
- Complete the forms on the website (game submission form)
- Provide a disc with screenshots and videos of your game
- Submit a game synopsis
- Pay the registration fee (currently R1 508.64)
- Then wait for classification.
Microsoft has confirmed—and I’ve tested—that the forced requirement for FPB certification in the marketplace no longer exists. You can submit a certification, but you’re not forced to.
The only downside at the moment is Windows Phone 7: when you submit a game for the South African market—regardless of price—they incorrectly require certification. I’ve submitted a request to Microsoft for clarification and will update you as soon as I have details.