Does It Cost Money to Submit a Game for Classification?

When you’re ready to release your game, one of the crucial steps is ensuring it meets the necessary classification requirements. This process can vary depending on the country or region where you plan to launch your game. In this article, we’ll delve into the question of whether it costs money to submit a game for classification and explore the factors that influence this cost.

Understanding Game Classification

Game classification is a process where a game is evaluated to determine its content and age appropriateness. This is done to ensure that the game is suitable for its intended audience and complies with local laws and regulations. Classification authorities, such as the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in the United States or the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) in Europe, are responsible for this process.

Cost Factors

Whether or not it costs money to submit a game for classification depends on several factors:

Factor	Description
Region	Classification costs vary by country or region. For example, submitting a game for classification in the United States may be more expensive than in some European countries.
Classification Authority	Different classification authorities have different pricing structures. Some may charge a flat fee, while others may charge based on the complexity of the game or the number of platforms it’s released on.
Game Content	The content of your game can affect the classification cost. Games with more complex or controversial content may require additional resources and time, leading to higher costs.
Submission Method	Submitting your game through an official classification authority may be more expensive than using a third-party service. However, third-party services may offer additional support and guidance.

Here’s a breakdown of the average costs for submitting a game for classification in some popular regions:

Region	Average Cost
United States (ESRB)	$500 – $1,000
Europe (PEGI)	鈧?50 – 鈧?00
United Kingdom (PEGI)	拢150 – 拢300
Canada (ESRB)	$500 – $1,000
Australia (RCOZ)	AUD$200 – AUD$400

Additional Costs

In addition to the classification fee, there may be other costs associated with submitting your game for classification:

• Translation costs: If your game is not in the local language, you may need to translate it for classification purposes.

  

• Testing costs: Some classification authorities require you to provide a test version of your game for review.

• Legal fees: If you need legal advice or assistance during the classification process, you may incur additional costs.

Conclusion

Submitting a game for classification can be a costly process, but it’s an essential step to ensure your game complies with local laws and regulations. By understanding the factors that influence classification costs and planning accordingly, you can minimize expenses and ensure a smooth submission process.