Dreamcast Software Development Standards

Dreamcast Software Development Standards/Ver.1.00E

#### 23. Ethics Considerations

23.1 Ethics Inspection

> An Ethics Inspection Request Form should be obtained (from the person in charge of the Development Planning Department or the Software Promotion Department), filled out and submitted to the Ethics Inspection Committee (the Ethics Inspection Office). After permission for the title has been obtained from the Committee and when the Master ROM is released, the Permission Request Form is submitted with the Master ROM Checklist.

> Please refer to the following 23.2 Ethics Concerns for TV Games below.

23.2 Ethics Concerns for TV Games

> Revised May 1, 1996

> TV Game Software Ethics Inspection Organization

> (Purpose)

> The TV Game Software Ethics Inspection Organization establishes the rules of ethics for the following purposes:

> - TV game software should be instructive and serve as wholesome amusement for society.

> - TV game software should obtain the support and confidence of society, and engender positive attitudes toward the approaching multimedia era.

> - Considering the effect of TV game software on young generations, a rating system standard has been developed for youths and their parents to judge purchases.

> - Game retailers should advise customers of the standard ratings of products.

> - A Developer's Guide is provided for software creators to adapt their software to society.

> (Scope of Application)

> The following items related to TV game software sold by manufacturers shall be in agreement with the rules of the Organization:

> (1) Content (images, voices, sound effects, language), expression and description

> (2) Title, packaged printed matter, packaging, advertising, storefront demonstrations and sales promotion materials

> The items in (1) are governed by inspection, and the items in (2) are regulated voluntarily pending the results of the inspection of (1), under the responsibility of each manufacturer.

> (Changes to Regulations)

> The Organization is continually concerned with trends in software products, flow of culture in society and advances in expressive technology, and assumes the duty and the right to change regulations as it deems appropriate.

> (Ethics Regulation Structures)

> The ethics regulations of the Organization consist of the following:

> Common Ethics Regulations Ethics regulations that apply commonly to all software products. The next two items apply to all of the ethics regulations.

> Ethics Regulations for All Age Groups Ethics regulations related to TV game software that is recommended for all ages.

> Sexual stimulation of youth is prohibited.

> Stimulation of cruelty and unruly behaviour in youth is prohibited.

> Content that might incite misbehavior, crime and anti-social behavior in youth is prohibited.

> Age-Dependent Ethics Regulations Consumers over 18 years old who are considered wise enough to distinguish between a game world and real life are not the object of the regulations for TV game software that is not recommended for those under 18 years of age.

> Avoid immoderate stimulation of sexual emotions.

> Avoid immoderate instigation of cruelty by violence.

> Avoid content that might incite misbehavior, crime and anti-social behavior in youth.

> (Common Ethics Regulations)

> The common ethics regulations are those regulations that should be followed by all software products.

> (1) Ethics regulations concerning national laws and social justice.

> 1. Respect for all races, people, customers, habits and national sentiments.

> 2. Depictions that would affront a specific person or the honor of a group are not permitted.

> 3. If an actual person or the name of a group is handled in any way that differs from fact, the reasons must be clearly indicated.

> 4. The principles of the law, public order and morality should be respected, and the depiction of any contrary actions must be handled very carefully, without encouraging emulation.

> 5. Depiction of the weak, such as the elderly, children, physically or mentally impaired must be considerate.

> 6. Discrimination according to sex, employment, situation, physical conditions, lifestyle, etc. is not permitted.

> (2) Ethics Regulations Regarding Religion

> 1. The freedom of religious choice is to be respected, and attention should be paid to avoid affronting the dignity of a religion, religious person or religious ceremonies.

> (3) Ethics Regulations Regarding Education

> 1. With respect to the formation of character of children and youth, attention should be paid to avoid damage to enthusiasm and a healthy mind.

> 2. The depiction of educators and youth must be considered seriously, avoiding the justification of actions that are prohibited to youth under the law.

> 3. Avoid actions that might incite the mistreatment of animals.

> (4) Ethics Regulations Regarding the Family

> 1. Respect marriage and family life, and avoid depictions that could demean these institutions.

> (5) Ethics Regulations Regarding the Environment

> 1. Avoid actions that could incite overt destruction of the natural environment.

> (Regulations for All-Age Recommendation)

> TV game software that is to be recommended to all age groups should strictly observe the following during production:

> (1) Sexual Expression

> 1. Sex acts should never be depicted by any means.

> 2. Avoid depicting nudes or nearly nudes. However, this rule does not apply to cases that do not provoke a sense of discomfort, unnaturalness or obscenity, such as swimsuits for swimming, nude children playing in water, etc., when necessary to develop a story.

> 3. Otherwise, avoid promoting obscenity to youth.

> (2) Regarding the Depiction of Violence, Crime and Anti-Social Activities

> 1. Never depict violence when unnecessary for the setting. Sports, military arts and grappling fights should not depend upon violence to maintain interest.

> 2. Even when violence is necessary for a setting, it should never be depicted by immoderate photos taken at the scene or one similar to it.

> 3. For all ages, but especially for youth, never depict the precise methods of a murder, injury, violent act, etc.

> 4. Never depict a minor drinking alcohol or smoking.

> 5. Avoid any inappropriate depiction that would introduce a minor to activities like drugs or sexual morality issues such as prostitution.

> 6. Otherwise, avoid depictions that might promote cruelty and unruly behaviour in youth.

> (Note) In addition to the established regulations, the Organization's inspections are also concerned with any activities that promote ideas significantly counter to society's common sense. Never express ideas that conflict with the above regulations by use of hidden commands or hidden performance.

> (Age-Limited Ethics Regulations)

> TV game software that is to be recommended to those 18 years of age and older who have suitable discretion should strictly observe the following during production:

> (1) Sexual Expression

> 1. Sex and the process of reaching sexual arousal is prohibited as the principal object of a software game.

> 2. Even when not the principal object of a game, the direct depiction of the sexual act is prohibited, and any indirect expression (language, sound effect, etc.) must not be immoderate.

> 3. A nude body may not be the principal object of a software game, even if depicted as an actual sports photo or animation.

> 4. A sports photo or similar depiction shall not be expressed with the intent of sexual arousal, even when wearing underclothing.

> 5. Sexual behavior must not constitute the principal object of a software game.

> 6. Sexual activities involving violence must not be depicted or implied.

> 7. Private parts such as sex organs must not be depicted.

> 8. Male and female sex organs must not be mentioned by voice or in text.

> 9. Disclosure of sexual expressions to minors must not be incited.

> 10. Depictions related to immoderate sexual desire are prohibited.

> 11. Depictions of violation of a woman, sadism and other obscenities are prohibited.

> 12. Otherwise, any depiction that overtly promotes obscenity is prohibited.

> (2) Regarding Violence, Crime and Anti-Social Behavior

> 1. Broken or mutilated human or animal bodies must not be sensationally depicted.

> 2. Crimes such as murder, assault and violation must not be attractively depicted.

> 3. The style of crimes such as murder, assault and violation must not be depicted so as to be attractive to youth.

> 4. A youth must never be depicted drinking alcohol or smoking.

> 5. Avoid any depiction that would condone activities like drugs or sexual morality issues such as prostitution.

> 6. Otherwise, any depiction that overtly condones cruelty must be avoided.

> (Note) In addition to the established regulations, the Organization's inspections are also concerned with any activities that promote ideas significantly counter to society's common sense. Never express ideas that conflict with the above regulations by use of hidden commands or hidden performance.

- End -

TV Game Software Ethics Inspection Organization Office Tel: 03-5736-7040

Fax:03-5736-7225

Contact person: Mr. Yamazaki

Dreamcast Software Development Standards

Copyright SEGA ENTERPRISES, LTD, 1998