Smilegate said on March 3 it has been redesignated as a self-rating operator, part of its support programme for the indie ecosystem and creators, and will keep the qualification for the next 5 years.

Smilegate obtained self-rating operator status in 2023 and has since operated the system stably as a platform operator. With the renewal, it will retain the same qualification from March 3 through March 2, 2031.

The self-rating operator system allows qualified operators to classify game ratings directly. On that basis, Smilegate has used its global game platform Stove to bring domestic and overseas indie games to the domestic market more quickly. It has also run the rating classification process efficiently to help developers and publishers prepare services in line with business schedules.

Smilegate plans to further solidify its platform capabilities on the back of the redesignation. It will support service rollouts by developers and publishers centred on Stove and strengthen cooperation across distribution and overall operations. It also plans to continue introducing overseas indie games that are hard to access domestically, while continuing support so works by domestic creators can secure competitiveness in the market.

Games rated "restricted to youths" must undergo review by the Game Rating and Administration Committee and the Game Content Rating Classification Committee under current laws. Smilegate also supports the overall review process for developers seeking to launch games under that rating and provides guidance on the legally required review process.