Australia may receive R-rating for games, fewer bans

by Griffin McElroy { Feb 24th 2008 at 5:30PM }

The Sunburnt Country has never been a very friendly place for video games with adult content. With a maximum game rating of MA15+, games which are deemed unsuitable for the pubescent, corruptible senses of a 15-year-old are often refused classification, and therefore banned. Several North American best-sellers have fallen victim to Australian banning, or been forced to release censored versions for the land down under, such as GTA III, Postal, Manhunt, and (preemptive attack!) Dark Sector.

Luckily for gaming Aussies (50 percent of which are over the age of 18), government officials are considering the addition of an R18+ rating, allowing the sale of more mature titles. This proposition will be discussed at the next Standing Committee of Attorneys-General on March 28. Should the system undergo the change, for the first time in Australian video games, there will be blood, nudity, and strong language. You know, the good stuff.

Tags: australia, ban, banning, censorship, MA15, r18, rating

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

V1L3 @ Feb 24th 2008 5:37PM

I think I speak for all Aussie gamers when I say...

It's about bloody time.

Trickob @ Feb 24th 2008 5:44PM

finally, something better to play than knifey-spoony, eh??

Namarrgon @ Feb 24th 2008 8:45PM

I think I speak for all Aussie gamers when I say...

Isn't it time you thought of a better joke?

Laggy @ Feb 25th 2008 4:12AM

Let's just laugh at the fact that they only know one joke about Australia. And when that joke is told, they then move on to ask us if we have kangaroos in our yards.

It's quite sad really; the ignorance.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Feb 25th 2008 11:19AM

But, don't you have kangaroos in your yards?

Or at least deadly reptiles and spiders?

Trickob @ Feb 25th 2008 7:35PM

kangaroos are like their cars, duh!

boy, now i know how the simpsons writers felt after they made fun of australia. next up, new orleans!!

ymode @ Feb 24th 2008 5:46PM

Well if you were really an aussie gamer you would know that our games already have nudity , strong language and blood. COD4 has Blood and Swearing and playboy mansion had nudity. This is good news still, the R+ rating is not something that can be broken down to more BLOOD SEX and SWEARING, its more about the overall game play experience and story line, which as we all know is more important than BLOOD SEX and the F word anyway.

V1L3 @ Feb 24th 2008 5:49PM

Amusingly, "ban-happy" Australia got the full uncensored version of Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy), complete with sex scenes, even at our draconian MA15 maximum rating, whilst America had to wait for an AO rated version.

I'd take that over Manhunt 2 any day of the week.

Bos @ Feb 24th 2008 5:47PM

Finally, but even if this does go through the internal censorship/licensing on the consoles will still limit content.

ScottyGEE32 @ Feb 24th 2008 6:06PM

NOW WE CAN GET NINJA GAIDEN 2!!!!!!!!

antsmarching @ Feb 24th 2008 6:08PM

not to be a grammar douche, but the title for this article should read, "FEWER bans," not "less bans."

on second thought, that was kinda grammar douchy

Lynk Former @ Feb 24th 2008 6:10PM

Yeah, it's funny how people seem to exaggerate what we Australians seem to be missing out on... we get a lot of explicit content down here and for the most part, we're pretty relaxed about it.

This really isn't about getting a very small selection of (mediocre) games down here, it's to create more room to be able to rate games. We've gotten a lot of games that are complete and uncut that have been rated MA15+ which probably could've easily gone R18+ just to be safe.

ymode @ Feb 24th 2008 6:19PM

That is what I was saying, It's not like us Australians are stuck with pokemon and crappy Wii games, And it's not like with an R18+ rating it will be the first time we see BLOOD, SEX or SWEARING in a game either. The only thing this will do is allow more room to rate games, meaning that some of our previous MA15+ games would have received R18+ ratings had this law been in effect when they were released. On another note the things that people get excited about like SEX and BLOOD , are not what makes a good game anyway, and if you don't believe me then you have never played PORTAL.

Lynk @ Feb 24th 2008 6:21PM

@ ymode:

I happen to like my crappy Wii games :p

ymode @ Feb 24th 2008 7:28PM

Really ? cos other than Wii sports any other good Wii game makes you wish you had a normal control, and if you use a normal control you start to see that all Wii has going for it is it's tacky controller. Why do you think they showed smash bro brawl with gamecube controls as standard at GDC. Don't get me wrong I have two Wiis and also purchased one for my family for xmas, I just think the novelty wears off really quick and the control is a joke.

Foetoid @ Feb 24th 2008 7:53PM

I spose you havent played the Wii Edition of RE4? The controls are so much better compared to the GC (as well as the graphix) that it feels like a whole new game, more fluid and accurate by far. Same with Zelda and Tony Hawk Downhill Jam. I couldnt imagine Metroid Prime 3 without it's controls, that game single handedly proved the Wii has better-than-dual-analog FPS controls. Having the optional Classic/GC controller doesnt mean Nintendo doesnt have faith in thier Wiimote, they're just giving everyone options to make everyone happy (i am sure thats a good thing). Mostly fighting games, like MK Armageddon, DBZ Tenkaichi 2/3 and SSBB have the options since the Wiimote isn't that good for fighting games. Mario Kart Wii is simply giving loyal fans who grew up with traditional controls the option of continuing thier tradition. I can't think of a single Wii game that ONLY lets you use the Wiimote that makes me want traditional controls.

Darrel @ Feb 25th 2008 5:43PM

Wow, this shouldn't even BE about the Wii anymore, since it's unrelated to THIS subject.

Australia's pretty relaxed for the most part, but they do get a few games that tend to exceed the MA-15 rating a bit.

Also, the MA15 is the Aus equivalent of the ESRB's M rating. PG is the Aus equivalent of the T rating.

One thing that the Aus rating has that the ESRB doesn't have is the "M" rating that is a middle ground between PG and MA15 (ie. Between T and M is ESRB standards)

ymode @ Feb 24th 2008 8:16PM

I own all those game's you mentioned up top, Zelda, MP and Downhill jam, I have finished every zelda since OOT including Wind Waker, I was so excited to get TP and the wii ruined it for me. Now I'm not saying I'm right and that everyone else should think like me, but for me I have a PS3 and a Wii in the same room and the Wii hardly gets turned on unless I have a gathering of people and we play Drunken Wii sports (which is great!!)Im not a Wii hater I was just a little disappointed when once I got one, And I don't think the gimmick has many years left. Also think about the Wii's successor do you think it will be motion based controlling ? or will everyone be tired of it by then? Will Nintendo go back to a more traditional control with some motion features like SIXAXIS and if they do so much for the wiimote being revolutionary.

ymode @ Feb 24th 2008 8:18PM

Lynk @ Feb 24th 2008 9:15PM

I own A LOT of Wii games, and I feel that I can't go back to a traditional controller interface with those games.

That being said, there are exceptions to that rule. For example Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2 (and 3) and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. These games require a more traditional approach which Nintendo has been all too happy to cater to since they allow you to use the Classic Controller and GCN Controller with these games and even encourage it. (Of course all of this has already been said...)

With all of the Wii games I own, in my opinion, it's far from being a gimmick or a joke. There are certain games which use the Wiimote in such a way which are wholly shallow and stupid, but there are other games which use the functions available in extremely clever ways. It's enough to bring a smile to my face because I know that Zack & Wiki would never be able to function on any other console and that because of the alternative that Nintendo has given us, this game DOES exist.

There are many traditional games which have benefited from Wiimote + Nunchuk functionality. The easiest example to cite is Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition. Also, I personally felt that the Wii version of Twilight Princess is superior to the GCN version. I own and have finished both versions of the game 100%.

As for the next generation, Nintendo will continue with the Wii's motion based and IR pointing functionality, you can count on it. But they would NEVER try to do anything like the SIXAXIS. They would have to give up two independent motion sensors which is available with the Wiimote + Nunchuk option and they would also have to remove the IR pointing function as well. There are very good reasons why the Wiimote is designed the way it is.

I mean no offence by this, but I think you have missed the entire point of Wii. But that's fine, most people don't really get it at all.

On the other hand, I do :p and I get to enjoy Wii games along with everything else.

ymode @ Feb 24th 2008 10:11PM

I appreciate your intelligent NON-FANBOY reply :) but I wouldn't say that "most people dont get the wii" like you did because A LOT of people have purchased it. Also like I said I'm not a Wii hater I love nintendo and always have ever since my first NES. I just feel overall when compared with PS3 my Wii doesn't really feel like a next-gen experience. Maybe I went too far to call the wiimote a joke, but really It has never felt perfect, aside from maybe Wii Bowling. And I sincerely believe the novelty of IR motion based controlling will wear off. Lets hope I'm wrong so people like you can continue to enjoy it :)

Lynk @ Feb 24th 2008 10:41PM

I should clarify what I meant when I said
"most people". I mean more traditionalist gamers... sometimes they're referred to as "hardcore" gamers for some reason I'll never understand.

And you're right, Wii isn't "next-gen" in terms of how traditionalist gamers perceive "next-gen" to be. I think that Wii is a completely new generation of gaming, which it has been proven by the new kinds of audiences it has attracted. You've said that A LOT of people have bought Wii, and the majority of those people is made up of this new audience which Wii has reached out to pretty successfully so far.

It's obvious that Wii will never bring more traditionalist gamers the experiences they'll be having on the PS3 and 360, but that is the entire point of why Wii was created. Otherwise, if Nintendo went the "me too" route, they'd be struggling right now and a lot of games that have been born out of Wii would never have come into existence.

As for Wii's progression on motion + IR based controls. I've had the system since launch and have been buying games for it steadily since then. I can say with absolute certainty that there has been an improvement in quality in terms of motion + IR controls and I am extremely positive about the future.

And of course, you are right about the motion controls not feeling perfect, for a lot of games they really are far from being perfect, but for other games, they're tight and extremely responsive and I can't imagine them without it... furthermore, they'll get better. It's still very new technology in terms of console videogames so it's not as if everyone can come up with the greatest controls over night. There is a level of complexity with all of this that I don't think a lot of people appreciate.

I think this is a great step for Nintendo to be taking because no one else will. The need to experiment with control interfaces is extremely important. So, as long as developers are smart about the way they make their games and put some good thought and effort into them, I can't see how Wii will fail to bring us fun and interesting games.

Savok @ Feb 24th 2008 10:47PM

Kevin Rudd, our new PM wants to put filters in our ISPs.

I wouldn't hold my breath for gaming getting their R rating finally.

V1L3 @ Feb 25th 2008 12:49AM

You mean that optional filter that you can choose to have disabled? Like parental controls in consoles or on cable?

Yeah, I see your point. I mean, it won't matter to me, because I'll still be able to visit any website I want, but it'll really suck that kids won't be able to see 2girls1cup anymore.

Darkbhudda @ Feb 25th 2008 9:55AM

It's optional but you get put on a list if you don't use them. Good luck getting a job when you're on the perverts list.

And Labor has tried mandatory filtering in some states. Sure it was a complete failure but that's never stopped politicians before.

BrotherEstapol @ Feb 24th 2008 11:14PM

Um, where's Tasmainia on that map? >_>

No love for our southern Aussie's the island state? :P

ymode @ Feb 24th 2008 11:38PM

As an Australian I am fully aware that Tasmania does not exist and is just a myth. =)

ymode @ Feb 24th 2008 11:47PM

@LYNK again it's nice to have some real conversation on this issue and not just fanboy dribble so thanks again. Anyway like you have agreed Nintendo has attracted an entirely NEW audience, which is an entirely new audience who is not use to PAYING for new games all the time. My parents who are around 49 are a great example, they purchased a Wii and have enjoyed it but they haven't purchased anymore games for it, they stick to Wii sports and because they are not your traditional GAMING audience it is hard to get 49 year olds to part with 80-100 AUD for a new game they know nothing about, I fear the software attachment rate for Nintendo will get worse and worse. I'm not wishing these bad things upon Nintendo I just feel it is a consequence of the Wii overall.

Lynk @ Feb 25th 2008 1:38AM

XD There are many people who see me as a Nintendo fanboy simply because I'm ready to defend them on certain issues, so the feeling is mutual.

On the attach rate issue, it has been pretty clear that Nintendo has been aware of the issue since before Wii was even released. It's not enough to make a console that will attract a new audience, there has to be a plan to make that audience come back for more... and that's why Wii Fit exists.

The average gamer HATES the very existence of Wii Fit, or so I've noticed, but it's a great idea. When it does get released in North America, Europe and Australia, it's going to be extremely interesting to see how it sells. I believe Nintendo is going to be very aggressive with the way it markets Wii Fit to that new audience and they'll do everything they can to make them aware that it exists.

With all of that talk about the new audience, we have to also realise that Wii's overall audience is still made up of Nintendo fans and regular gamers as well. And while I do agree that the software attach rate is low at this stage, I've found that I've bought so many Wii games in less than a year that I've come to half of the amount of GameCube games I've bought in its entire lifetime... which is quite big step in the right direction.

To add to that, there are more games on the way for that new audience, casual audience and the more... "hardcore" audience if they're not the kind to choke at the very sight of Nintendo in the first place...

The attach rate may be low, but at the rate Wii's are selling, I don't think Nintendo minds at this point... but it seems to me that they do have a lot planned for the future. They've got Wii Fit ready to go outside of Japan, they've got Brawl, Mario Kart and other more traditional Nintendo games ready to go. They're about to launch WiiWare and are continuing with their expansion of Virtual Console titles and system support, and they're reaching out to third party developers as best they can. I mean... who knew that Fatal Frame/Project Zero would be coming to Wii, or that Capcom would bring over Monster Hunter 3.

There are obvious challenges with Wii, and Nintendo really needs to be smart with the way they handle things because some of what they're trying to achieve is in unknown territory... and you're right, things could go badly for them in the long run, but I'm glad they tried to do something different in the first place.

I'd hate to be playing the same damn thing on all three consoles.

~ Lynk

Oh and I've forgotten to add this to all of my previous posts, but I love to shamelessly advertise...

http://forums.thecrisiscenter.net/

:p

vauxhall @ Feb 25th 2008 2:30AM

Where's Tasmania??? The map's missing a whole state!

Feigr @ Feb 25th 2008 5:54AM

Do they rename all the protagonists Bruce in the aussie versions?

(Hey atleast it wasn't knifey-spoony!)

LiK @ Feb 25th 2008 9:39AM

about fucking time.

Darkbhudda @ Feb 25th 2008 9:50AM

So on the one hand we'll be able to play violent games, but we can't do anything with the other hand since they want to stop people getting porn from the internet.

xK-la @ May 3rd 2008 11:34AM

@ Trickob

I don't get the whole knify spoony joke but I did get that it was meant to be funny, which it was.
I also hate the fact that you all think we all drive around in kangaroo's and what not, but I can't talk because I still think that the Lions, Elephants, Hippo's etc. run around Africa and the people wear no clothes and live in trees ;)

xK-la @ May 3rd 2008 12:03PM

Also about that filter, I think that source from wherever somebody got it from is total bogus, it's an optional thing like when you go to the store and specifically go and buy that nanny program, the only difference here is that you can get a filter for free off of a website; and there is NOT a list for perverts and stuck up people who masterbate secretly but petition against R rated games.
As far as I'm concerned It hardly makes much of a difference, because I've gotten versions of games from Australian stores that were said to have been edited and it wasn't and if you ask me, if you live in NSW in Australia and you are 16 you legally are able to have sex but your not allowed to watch it? Like what's up with that.