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The Number One Educational Resource for the Game Industry

Session Name: Best Practices for Leveraging Worldwide Age Ratings Submissions and Geopolitical Content Reviews
Speaker(s): Kiki McMillan, Zeb Wedell
Company Name(s): Microsoft Studios, Microsoft Studios
Track / Format: Localization Summit

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Overview: In today's rapidly expanding global market, the average Microsoft Studios video game is reviewed and rated by up to 11 different regional age ratings bodies before it ever reaches consumers. Even before the age rating review process kicks off, the Microsoft Studios Global Production Services team partners with key development and publishing stakeholders to proactively review each game's content. This is in order to reduce geopolitical risk, and ensure that Microsoft delivers content that is respectful to its global audience and that will be well-received in local markets worldwide. This talk will explore the Microsoft Studios Global Production Service Team's experiences and best practices for leveraging the worldwide age ratings submissions process with Geopolitical Content Reviews. Using recently shipped titles including Halo 4, Forza Horizon, and Gunpowder as case studies (games subject to change based on which ones have the most entertaining examples), these two industry veterans will share their insights into timing and schedules, prioritization of tasks, and the benefits of partnering with your project's Test Team to ensure the successful delivery of key content deliverables. This presentation will touch on why age ratings matter and will showcase the varying requirements of the 11 (and counting) major regional age ratings bodies. Kiki and Zeb will also offer battle-tested tips (and eye-opening examples) of areas of emphasis for each region.

GDC 2013

Kiki McMillan

Microsoft Studios

Zeb Wedell

Microsoft Studios

free content

Localization Summit

Localization / QA