AUSTRALIA'S largest video game retailer is lobbying for an R18+ gaming classification.

EB Games has launched a petition, which customers can sign at any of their 350 stores, urging the Government to bring in the tougher classification so that games deemed too graphic for the current MA15+ rating can still be sold.

Despite the average age of a gamer being 30, Australia remains one of the last major territories in the world in which an R18+ rating for gaming does not exist.

As a result, games that fail to get the MA15+ rating are either banned or require editing to pass the Classification's Board's strict guidelines.

Last year the Federal Government released a discussion paper on whether or not an R18+ rating for games should be adopted and called for submissions.

Submissions to the Government close on February 28.

EB Games managing director Steve Wilson said the company started the petition after finding overwhelming support for the tougher rating from customers.

"Our customers have sent us a message loud and clear that this is an issue that needs to be addressed," he said.

"Once this government paper is closed, it could be many years before we get another chance to voice our opinion on this issue."

An EB Games poll on the R-rating attracted more than 50,000 respondents, with 84 per cent voting in favour of an 18+ game rating.

Mr Wilson said the call for an R18+ rating was not to gain access to more violent or sexual content in games.

"This is not a call for violent video games but rather a call for a better classification system that brings Australia in line with the rest of the world and other Australian entertainment industries, such as films," he said.

Recently the Classification Board overturned a decision to ban up-coming title Aliens Vs Predator after game publisher Sega appealed against the decision while refusing to edit the game in any way.

Games edited for Australian players include Left 4 Dead 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV - the latter broke sales records in 2008.