The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued a new standard, titled “Video and Digital Games – Age-Rating and Content Descriptor Labels – Specification”, which specifies different age categories for video games and labels for different types of in-game content. It was formulated by the Media and Entertainment Services Sectional Committee (SSD 13), comprising industry, government, and media representatives, according to a Storyboard18 report.
However, when MediaNama tried to access the standard, we could not retrieve it due to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website crashing during registration at the time of writing.
Six age-based categories defined: These include U/A 0+ for all age groups, U/A 3+ and U/A 7+ for young children with mild content, and U/A 13+ and U/A 16+ for progressively mature themes. It also includes an ‘A’ (Adults only) category for digital and video games involving graphic violence or explicit material.
Descriptors based on in-game elements: The standard classifies games based on in-game elements such as violence, language, sexual content, and other mature themes. It allows publishers to self-assess ratings based on game content. Additionally, it introduces content descriptor labels covering violence, vulgar language, nudity and sexual content, substance abuse, gambling, in-game purchases, and socially sensitive themes such as religion, caste, and gender.
Labelling format and placement rules: The standard prescribes design and placement guidelines for labels across packaging, digital storefronts, advertisements, and platforms. It specifies a square label format with age rating displayed above and content descriptors below. It mandates black text on a white background using the Roboto typeface. For digital platforms with limited space, it permits smaller icons such as 34×34 pixels or 14×14 pixels, with descriptors accessible through interface elements.
Age classification for game registration: The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025, require publishers to disclose the intended age group of users when applying for registration.
Gaming authority website live, unfinished: Meanwhile, the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), set up under the rules, oversees classification, registration, compliance, and grievance redressal for online games. However, its website appeared incomplete on March 27 when MediaNama reviewed it after it went online, with “under construction” pages and placeholder entries such as “John Doe”. Although the homepage cites 49 applications and 22 approvals, the registry shows inconsistent and test data, with broken certificate links. At the time of writing, the website was no longer accessible.
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