Ubisoft's open-world role-playing game Star Wars Outlaws has been rated in South Korea as adults-only due to its inclusion of gaming elements in the game.
The game's 19+ rating was posted yesterday on the game's website. Game Administration and Rating CommitteeSouth Korea's game ratings board, as discovered by reddit user Ajxtt.
According to the GRAC Grading GuideA rating of 19+ is used when a game is considered to contain “depictions of antisocial ideas, religion and public morals that would be harmful to children under 19 years of age emotionally and physically.”
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Specifically, Star Wars Outlaws has been singled out for gambling. According to GRAC, a game will be rated 19+ for “reproduction of the spirit of the game (existence of awakening of passion for excessive use of gambling money or dependence on luck, but without actual gain or loss of the asset)” .
Even without a translation of the complete ratingthe content descriptor for games of chance is the only one that has been confirmed (유 – present, as opposed to 무 – not present).
In English, the basis for the 19+ rating reads as follows (translated by Eurogamer): “Realistic depictions of speculative behavior. Presence of a mini-game containing in-game bets and payments.”
The rating does not mention any real-world game mechanics, such as loot boxes. Eurogamer has contacted Ubisoft for confirmation and we will update you if we hear back.
In South Korea, gambling is strictly controlled and considered illegal, which could influence the board's decision to give Star Wars Outlaws a 19+ rating instead of a more lenient 15+ (which is awarded whether a game contains a “low level of play spirit.”
Earlier this year, Star Wars owner Disney said Outlaws would be released in “late” 2024 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series “. The game will revisit familiar locations like Tatooine and Mos Eisley, with no procedurally generated planets in sight.
