Introduced in 2013, the IARC system simplifies the process of obtaining ratings by developers, through the use of questionnaires, which assess the content of the product.

[2][3] This new process reduces the costs of video game developers as they seek to obtain ratings for their products that are distributed digitally online.

[4] The effort was created through a coalition of rating authorities from around the world, including ESRB in North America, PEGI in Europe, USK in Germany, ClassInd in Brazil, and the Australian Classification Board, and first announced by PEGI's MD at the 2013 London Games Conference.

[7] On 19 December 2017, South Korea's Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) became a member.

[11] In 2019, Wired reported that content inappropriate for children rated via IARC self questionnaires was available on Google Play.