CERO Age Rating

Overview

Gaming culture has been thriving in Japan ever since the industry first burst into life in the 1970s. Since then, Japan has become one of the largest exporters and importers of games worldwide. With such a booming and profitable industry, making sure games reach the Japanese market is crucial and getting a game’s CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization) age rating is the first step in that process. At MoGi Group, we can advise you on every step of the CERO certification process, along with what content may be problematic and how to avoid all the common pitfalls.

The higher the age rating, the smaller your potential target audience becomes, that’s why we’re on hand to advise what rating your game is likely to get across all platforms from console games to PC and mobile games. When it comes to the CERO rating process, it’s vital that all documentation is submitted correctly and on schedule so as not to impede a game’s release. That’s why our CERO rating consultancy services cover all key areas of the registration process and the CERO system, including:

• Registration
• Content
• Costs
• Timeline
• Required materials

It is also a mandatory requirement that all applications to CERO are made in Japanese. Fortunately, our age rating and localization teams have over a decade of experience in the careful handling of game registration and localization and can translate all related documents for submission (including the game itself!), making the age rating process as smooth and efficient as possible.

CERO, the Computer Entertainment Rating Organisation, was founded in 2002 as Japan’s official games rating organization. Its processes and categorizations cover a vast range of areas including sexual content, gambling, anti-social content, violent content, and improper use of language.

The ratings your game may receive, based on its content and application, may include:

• CERO A (all ages): CERO A games include Pokémon Black and White 2
• CERO B (ages 12 and up): CERO B games include Need for Speed: The Run, Final Fantasy XIII, and Shin Sangokumuso 6 (Dynasty Warriors 7)
• CERO C (ages 15 and up): CERO C games include The Sims 3
• CERO D (ages 17 and up): CERO D games include Bayonetta, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, and 81diver
• CERO Z (ages 18 and up): CERO Z games include Grand Theft Auto V and L.A. Noire

Japan is also unique in that it has dual rating systems. Along with CERO, the Ethics Organization of Computer Software (ECOS) also rate strictly adult-themed games. The two categories ECOS ratings cover are ECOS 18 (ages 18 and over) and ECOS R (ages 15 and over). Games from both categories are expressly forbidden to be sold to any persons not meeting the age requirements due to their explicit or graphic content.

Our age rating consultancy services are informed by our in-depth understanding of both game localization and the CERO and ECOS systems. Our teams have established a solid platform on which to advise and guide you through every part of the rating and submission process to ensure your game gets the rating (and audience) it deserves! Furthermore, we provide regular training opportunities to each team member to ensure our services are constantly up to date with the newest changes and requirements as they are issued, leaving no stone unturned.