{"id":"F2015L01078","name":"Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Computer Games) Instrument 2015","slug":"classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-computer-games-instrument-2015","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":128972,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2015L01078-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Computer Games) Instrument 2015","content":"![Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia](image.001.png)\n\nClassification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Computer Games) Instrument 2015\n\nmade under paragraph 20A(2)(e) and subsection 21(3) of the\n\nClassification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995\n\nCompilation No. 1\n\nCompilation date: 14 March 2024\n\nIncludes amendments: F2024L00299\n\nRegistered: 4 April 2024\n\nAbout this compilation\n\nThis compilation\n\nThis is a compilation of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Computer Games) Instrument 2015 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 14 March 2024 (the compilation date).\n\nThe notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.\n\nUncommenced amendments\n\nThe effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.\n\nApplication, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments\n\nIf the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.\n\nEditorial changes\n\nFor more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.\n\nModifications\n\nIf the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.\n\nSelf‑repealing provisions\n\nIf a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.\n\nContents\n\n1 Name\n\n3 Definitions\n\n4 Prescribed computer games modifications\n\n5 Meaning of minor and/or technical modification\n\n6 Rule for modification of computer games\n\n7 Examples of operation of rule\n\n8 Rule does not prevent classification of modified computer games\n\nEndnotes\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\nEndnote 5—Editorial changes\n\n1 Name\n\nThis instrument is the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Computer Games) Instrument 2015.\n\n3 Definitions\n\nIn this instrument:\n\nAct means the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.\n\ngameplay means the general manner in which a player interacts with a computer game.\n\nExample: In a car racing game, the general manner in which a player interacts with the game involves driving (rather than, for example, specifically driving a Formula 1 car through particular types of environments).\n\noriginal game means a computer game before it is subject to the modification concerned.\n\nNote: For the meaning of Board, computer game and work see sections 5 and 5A of the Act.\n\n4 Prescribed computer games modifications\n\nModifications of unclassified games that are later classified\n\n(1) For the purposes of paragraph 20A(2)(e) of the Act—modifications of a kind prescribed under section 6 are covered by subsection 20A(2) of the Act.\n\nNote 1: If a computer game is modified and is classified in unmodified form at a later time, and the modification is of a kind covered by subsection 20A(2) of the Act, the modified game is taken from that later time to have the same classification as the classified game.\n\nNote 2: Section 20A of the Act applies in relation to computer games classified on or after 1 January 2013, regardless of when the computer game was modified.\n\nClassified games that are later modified\n\n(2) For the purposes of subsection 21(3) of the Act—subsection 21(1) of the Act does not apply to modifications of a kind prescribed under section 6.\n\nNote 1: If a classified computer game is modified, the modified game becomes unclassified when the modification occurs, except if subsections 21(2) or (3) of the Act applies.\n\nNote 2: Section 21 of the Act applies in relation to computer games classified on or after 1 January 2013.\n\n5 Meaning of minor and/or technical modification\n\nA minor and/or technical modification means a modification to a computer game that:\n\n(1) does not cause the game, as modified, to be materially different to the original game; and\n\n(2) is not a work.\n\n6 Rule for modification of computer games\n\nNotwithstanding anything contained in section 7, a modification to a computer game is prescribed by this section if the modification:\n\n(a) is a minor and/or technical modification; and\n\n(b) does not have a material effect on the gameplay of the original game; and\n\n(c) does not change the title of the original game; and\n\n(d) is not likely to cause the game, as modified, to be given a different classification to the original game.\n\n7 Examples of operation of rule\n\n(1) The applicability of a particular example in subsections (2) and (3) will depend on the specific nature of the original game and the modification.\n\n(2) Without limiting or extending the operation of section 6, examples of modifications that may be covered by that section include:\n\n(a) patches or updates that fix security vulnerabilities, compatibility problems or bugs;\n\n(b) graphics enhancements;\n\n(c) format changes;\n\n(d) additions of songs, characters, weapons, costumes, skins or vehicles;\n\n(e) additions of environments, levels, missions, storylines or modes, even if these affect the overall difficulty or setting of the game.\n\n(3) Without limiting or extending the operation of section 6, examples of modifications that are unlikely to be covered by that section include:\n\n(a) patches or updates that make accessible previously inaccessible content that is likely to change the computer game’s overall classification;\n\n(b) a remake of a simple game with vastly improved graphics that causes the game, as modified, to become unrecognisable from the original game;\n\n(c) the addition of items or environments that completely alter the general manner in which a player interacts with a game;\n\n(d) a computer game involving the same or similar characters, settings and plot as the original game but can be played without the original game.\n\n8 Rule does not prevent classification of modified computer games\n\n(1) Section 6 does not apply to a modification to a computer game if:\n\n(a) an application to classify a modified computer game has been made to the Board; or\n\n(b) an approved classification tool is used to produce a decision for the computer game as modified and the decision would be taken to be a decision of the Board but for the operation of section 6; or\n\n(c) an accredited person has classified a modified computer game under section 22K of the Act.\n\n> Note: Endnotes\n\n> Note: Endnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nThe endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.\n\nThe following endnotes are included in every compilation:\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\nAbbreviation key—Endnote 2\n\nThe abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.\n\nLegislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4\n\nAmending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.\n\nThe legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.\n\nThe amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.\n\nEditorial changes\n\nThe Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.\n\nIf the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.\n\nMisdescribed amendments\n\nA misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nIf a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.\n\n> Note: Endnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\n| ad = added or inserted                         | o = order(s)                        |\n| ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |\n| am = amended                                   | Ord = Ordinance                     |\n| amdt = amendment                               | orig = original                     |\n| c = clause(s)                                  | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)  |\n| C[x] = Compilation No. x                       | /sub‑subparagraph(s)                |\n| Ch = Chapter(s)                                | pres = present                      |\n| def = definition(s)                            | prev = previous                     |\n| Dict = Dictionary                              | (prev…) = previously                |\n| disallowed = disallowed by Parliament          | Pt = Part(s)                        |\n| Div = Division(s)                              | r = regulation(s)/rule(s)           |\n| ed = editorial change                          | reloc = relocated                   |\n| exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | renum = renumbered                  |\n| effect                                         | rep = repealed                      |\n| F = Federal Register of Legislation            | rs = repealed and substituted       |\n| gaz = gazette                                  | s = section(s)/subsection(s)        |\n| LA = Legislation Act 2003                      | Sch = Schedule(s)                   |\n| LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003         | Sdiv = Subdivision(s)               |\n| (md) = misdescribed amendment can be given     | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |\n| effect                                         | SR = Statutory Rules                |\n| (md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment       | Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)             |\n| cannot be given effect                         | SubPt = Subpart(s)                  |\n| mod = modified/modification                    | underlining = whole or part not     |\n| No. = Number(s)                                | commenced or to be commenced        |\n\n> Note: Endnote 3—Legislation history\n\n| Name                                                                                                      | Registration              | Commencement             | Application, saving and transitional provisions |\n| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- |\n| Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Modifications of Computer Games) Instrument 2015 | 1 July 2015 (F2015L01078) | 1 July 2015 (s 2)        |                                                 |\n| Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Legislation Amendment Instrument 2024             | 13 Mar 2024 (F2024L00299) | Sch 3: 14 Mar 2024 (s 2) | —                                               |\n\n> Note: Endnote 4—Amendment history\n\n| Provision affected       | How affected   |\n| ------------------------ | -------------- |\n| s 2..................... | rep LA s 48D   |\n| s 8..................... | am F2024L00299 |\n|                          | ed C1          |\n\n> Note: Endnote 5—Editorial changes\n\nIn preparing this compilation for registration, the following kinds of editorial change(s) were made under the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nParagraph 8(1)(b)\n\nKind of editorial change\n\nChange to punctuation\n\nDetails of editorial change\n\nSchedule 3 item 1 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Legislation Amendment Instrument 2024 provides as follows:\n\n1 Paragraph 8(1)(b)\n\nAfter “section 6”, insert “; or”.\n\nThis amendment results in the text “; or.” at the end of paragraph 8(1)(b).\n\nThis compilation was editorially changed to omit the full stop in paragraph 8(1)(b) to correct the punctuation.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The compilation records an amendment to paragraph 8(1)(b) in 2024 (F2024L00299) and an editorial note about inserting \"; or\" at the end of that paragraph (Endnotes 3–5). That amendment is recorded in the instrument’s history and may alter how the s6 exception interacts with the Board’s/classifiers’ powers. The compilation text does not fully explain the substantive legal effect of that amendment; consult the Register or amendment instrument for precise scope changes."},"complexity_factors":["Cross‑references to the Classification Act (operation under ss20A and 21) require reading both instruments to determine legal effect (see s4 notes).","Key tests are inherently subjective: whether a modification is “materially different”, has a “material effect on gameplay”, or is “likely to cause” a different classification (ss5–6).","Non‑exhaustive examples (s7) leave case‑by‑case uncertainty and increase reliance on administrative interpretation.","Exceptions preserve administrative routes: an application to the Board, use of an approved classification tool, or classification by an accredited person will displace the section‑6 prescription (s8), creating decision points for industry.","Timing consequences are specified: classified games become unclassified on modification unless an exception applies, affecting who bears compliance cost and when (s4(2) note).","A defined term—gameplay—frames assessment but is fact‑sensitive (s3), increasing interpretive work for regulators and industry.","Compilation and endnotes record a 2024 amendment to s8, so reading the amendment history is necessary to understand current scope (Endnotes 3–5)."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument sets rules saying certain small or technical changes to a computer game do not change its legal classification. It defines “minor and/or technical” modifications, gives examples, and says when a modified game keeps the original classification (ss5–7). It also preserves the Classification Board’s and accredited classifiers’ ability to classify a modified game if an application or approved tool is used (s8). It matters to developers, distributors and classifiers because it changes when re‑classification is required and so affects compliance costs and administrative decisions."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument remains tightly focused on its original purpose: defining which computer game modifications preserve existing classifications. The 2024 amendment was a minor punctuation correction in section 8(1)(b) and did not expand the scope. The instrument has not grown beyond its initial remit of creating a technical framework for 'minor and/or technical modifications'."},"complexity_factors":["Short instrument: only 8 operative sections plus endnotes","Minimal defined terms: only 3 definitions in section 3 (Act, gameplay, original game)","Simple conditional structure: single rule in section 6 with 4 cumulative criteria (all must be met)","No nested exceptions: section 8 provides straightforward exclusions without layering","Illustrative examples in section 7 provide clarity rather than adding complexity","Limited cross-referencing: only references to parent Act (Classification Act 1995) sections 5, 5A, 20A, 21, and 22K","Single amendment in 2024 (section 8) was purely punctuation-related"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument creates a safe-harbour rule saying when a modified computer game can keep its existing classification instead of needing re‑classification. It mainly affects game developers and publishers, the Classification Board, and players by allowing routine updates (bugs, ports, cosmetics, extra content) to remain sellable without fresh ratings. The modification must be minor and not materially change gameplay or the title, and a formal re‑classification can still occur if someone applies or uses official classification tools."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-computer-games-instrument-2015","history":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-computer-games-instrument-2015/history","analysis":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-computer-games-instrument-2015/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-computer-games-instrument-2015/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-computer-games-instrument-2015/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/classification-publications-films-and-computer-games-modifications-of-computer-games-instrument-2015/documents"}}