In Japan, government-approved qualifications are omnipresent. The various ministries administer a mind-boggling number of exams, covering everything from athletic instruction to dangerous-materials handling. For many government positions, and a fair number of private companies, these qualifications are mandatory.

　　So, it is unsurprising that the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) wants to create an examination system for game creators too, according to a Famitsu.com report. According to the site, the Game Industry Strategic Research Conference distributed a report last week titled the "Game Industry Strategic Framework," only part of which has been made available to news agencies.

　　The report apparently lays plans for an official system for commending game creators, as well as a game developer examination system. It further recommends Japan's primary gaming showcase, the Tokyo Game Show, be linked up with other international conferences related to entertainment. Theoretically, this could mean the Tokyo Game Show, Tokyo International Film Festival, and Tokyo Anime Fair will be mashed together into a single massive event. The report's recommendation to "rethink the timing" of related events implies at the very least that future conventions may be scheduled to take place simultaneously or consecutively.

　　The report also addresses the social impact of games. Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization took a step in this direction earlier this year by redefining its rating system. The METI report goes further, calling for the industry to develop a comprehensive communication strategy, incorporating awareness-raising activities related to the rating system and survey-based research. The idea, says METI, is to ensure gaming is accepted by Japanese society.

　　According to Famitsu, the full government report is scheduled to be published on METI's Web site at a later date.