Getting a Japanese CERO age rating for your game is not only expensive, but costs extra per platform, giving small creators a very hard time 

Getting a game age rated in Japan can be an expensive experience – especially in the case of multiplatform and physical releases. Recent conversations between Japanese users on social media have highlighted the unexpected costs of obtaining a CERO rating in Japan, and why the IARC provides a welcome alternative for digital-only games. 

Established in 2002, CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization) is Japan’s age rating authority for video games. The system consists of 5 different age classifications: CERO A (all ages), B (12+), C (15+), D (17+) and Z ( 18+). Anyone who wants to release a physical console game in Japan must apply to CERO to have their game assessed. However, this takes both time and money. 

Before submitting a game to CERO for rating, the organization or individual can choose whether to apply as a CERO member or as a non-member. According to CERO’s website, the enrollment fees for regular members are 200,000 yen (about $1,350), with an annual membership fee of 100,000 yen (supporting members must pay a 100,000 yen enrollment fee and 50,000 yen per year). These fees are the same for both individuals and groups. Non-members naturally avoid paying membership fees; however, this makes the reviewing costs higher.  

The reviewing cost for a new game is, according to what users are reporting, around 70,000 yen (about $470) for members and 200,000 yen for non-members. But this is not all. Those who want to release their game on multiple platforms have to pay an additional porting review fee per platform (this fee is also higher for non-members).  

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