Starcraft II to be rated 18 in South Korea

Starcraft II has been given an 18 age classification by South Korea’s Games Rating Board, reports Gamesindustry.biz.

Although Starcraft II beta was given a 15 classification, the South Korean Games Rating Board reportedly justified the increased classification to a more thorough review than the beta had received.  Beyond that, no information has been released explaining the increased classification.  In other words, nothing to explain why Starcraft II – a RTS title, remember – is so violent it requires an adults-only rating.  Make of that what you will.

For Blizzard’s part, it told the Korea Times that “we have nothing to say at this point. We are discussing our official position on the matter as well as what would be the right reaction”.  GI reports that the company has a 30 day period in which to file any objection to the rating.

Clearly, if the rating stands then it would have some impact on the South Korean audience at which the game is targeted – but it’s unclear how significant that impact would really be.  That said, given the popularity that Starcraft I enjoys in South Korea, it will  be interesting to see what is the public reaction to this move by the government…