THE new games classification system is aimed at protecting the young from harmful content, but who will protect us from nasty gamers whose antics mar a game's enjoyment?

Here is a proposed "vetting list". Would the Media Development Authority consider it - for the sake of the sanity of the majority?

Shooters - No bullies please!

ONLINE shooters should ban gamers who, having reached a certain proficiency, now take sadistic pleasure in bullying newbies. These bullies tend to make a big song-and-dance over every victory. But when they lose, they accuse others of unfair play, of cheating or being a bot. Before such players are allowed any purchase, a check should be made with their siblings and friends - for bullying traits.

Examples: Gears Of War, Halo, Unreal Tournament

Competitive games - For mature players only. Not suitable for cry babies

IT IS a common sight: Immature cry babies who wail and rail when they lose. Unfortunately, such players seldom improve themselves. They are busy blaming the world for their failure. Competitive games are not for these folk who can't take the heat. Before a purchase, have such suspects checked for any bawling tendencies - otherwise recommend a simulation game where they can play by themselves and pretend to be God.

Examples: Need For Speed, Virtua Fighter, Halo, Warcraft

Team-based shooters - Not suitable for indiscriminate buddy killers

DELIBERATE or not, some gamers have a knack of killing their own. Indiscriminate use of weapons of mass destruction such as calling air raids without warning, careless driving of vehicles or loosely using weapons with splash damage can cause team mates to be obliterated. "Sorry" just doesn't cut it when it happens too many times. Check the records on the servers for those prone to amicicide (killing others with "friendly fire") and keep such careless trigger-happy folk away from buying team-based shooters.

Examples: Team Fortress, Enemy Territories: Quake Wars, World War II Online

Real Time Strategy (RTS) - Absenteeism a No-no

SUCH "AWOL" gamers disappear for a snack or a loo break just when everyone's needed. Result: The team is left in the lurch and is decimated. Such inconsiderate RTS gamers waste others' time. For frequently absent gamers, an RTS game must come bundled with an "autolocked" seatbelt that straps them to their chairs once a game session commences.

Examples: Warcraft, Starcraft, Command And Conquer, World In Conflict

Multi-player Role Playing Games (RPG) - Not suitable for those with no concept of sharing

ONCE a monster is slain, selfish "item gluttons" will rush to grab fallen items, even if they already have something similar or better. They don't care if other players need the items more. Restrictions should be imposed on such gamers for the benefit of others who are less well off in terms of inventory. Check if they understand the concept of sharing, otherwise recommend a counselling session before selling them a multi-player RPG.

Examples: World Of Warcraft, Hellgate: London

Online games - No sore losers with potty mouths

SWEARING is part of gaming as it is such an emotional experience. We all feel frustrated when the enemy beats us and when we do stupid things. But when expletives are hurled at length at another gamer's extended family over some trivial matter, it goes too far. Check a chronic swearer's most often used vocab before selling them online games.

Examples: Any game with online multi-player modes.

This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life on 13 May 2008.