It seems Australian zombie enthusiasts aren't alone in their dismay over the OFLC's recent ban on the sale of Left 4 Dead 2 in the Land Down Under -- Valve's Doug Lombardi recently told Shacknews that the ban came as quite a surprise for the developer as well. "Obviously, everyone at Valve is pretty bummed," Lombardi explained, as a grief-wracked Gabe Newell wept openly into his shoulder.
It's a real shame that the OFLC added L4D2 to its expansive list of titles prohibited from being sold in Australia -- not only because Aussies will be robbed of one of the most promising multiplayer titles of 2009, but because it effectively invalidates the two parties' pre-existing peacemaking efforts.
Reader Comments (62)
Posted: Sep 19th 2009 9:14PM AntiVillian said
It's not banned, It's RC'd, you can still get it it's just a bit harder and it's NOT illegal. Plus this is one of the biggest games of the year so there will be plenty of distribution.
Posted: Sep 19th 2009 9:16PM (Unverified) said
Please note Australians that import the game are breaking the law and can be prosecuted by zealous a Department of Customs.
It is only matter of time before an Australian who imports a game that has been refused classification is prosecuted by a government that is clearly attempting to make a (misguided) attempt to regulate media.
It is only matter of time before an Australian who imports a game that has been refused classification is prosecuted by a government that is clearly attempting to make a (misguided) attempt to regulate media.
Posted: Sep 20th 2009 12:15AM Xocolatl said
What they should worry about is why every news outlet still have daily report on MJ's death. News flash--the world stopped caring a long time ago!
That alone should already be a clear symptom of what's wrong with this country's media, and how the gov't is failing horribly to improve it in any way, shape, or form.
Reply
That alone should already be a clear symptom of what's wrong with this country's media, and how the gov't is failing horribly to improve it in any way, shape, or form.
Posted: Sep 20th 2009 7:27PM OZJD said
Chairman7 said "prosecuted by a government that is clearly attempting to make a (misguided) attempt to regulate media". You are wrong.
It will surprises you, but the Federal Government is all for an R18+ rating for games.
So are the state governments of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania (Even them!!!) and Western Australia. The territorial governments of the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory are also all for it.
1 person in the government of South Australia, who reperesents a tiny number of people in one of the least populated states is fucking us all. He can do this because the States have jurisdiction (and just like in the US the states damn well keep their legal rights unless stripped by the high court) and in order to change the law all states must agree to the change.
So we currently have a count of 8 government for adult gaming and 1 against it.
Oh and buy the way, Michael Atkinson is not a Nazi, he's a Commie (get it right, or left, people!)
Reply
It will surprises you, but the Federal Government is all for an R18+ rating for games.
So are the state governments of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania (Even them!!!) and Western Australia. The territorial governments of the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory are also all for it.
1 person in the government of South Australia, who reperesents a tiny number of people in one of the least populated states is fucking us all. He can do this because the States have jurisdiction (and just like in the US the states damn well keep their legal rights unless stripped by the high court) and in order to change the law all states must agree to the change.
So we currently have a count of 8 government for adult gaming and 1 against it.
Oh and buy the way, Michael Atkinson is not a Nazi, he's a Commie (get it right, or left, people!)
Posted: Sep 19th 2009 9:27PM (Unverified) said
Time for Australins to break out the xbox and mod it.
Posted: Sep 19th 2009 9:28PM TheE3Guy said
This kind of shit happens all the time in Australia, it must fucking suck to live there. I'm so glad I live in America.
Posted: Sep 19th 2009 9:49PM (Unverified) said
I think that this is a serious issue. It will only be a matter of time before Joystiq reports of a case of an Austrailan gamer being prosecuted for importing a game refused classification.
Renegade theatre owners that show films that have been refused classification have been arrested in Australia.
The government prefers soft-targets like consumers in these matters. Take a look at the way music piracy was prosecuted.
As an Australian gamer I would urge my fellow Australian gamers to exercise caution and look to alternative ways to attack these dracion laws.
Renegade theatre owners that show films that have been refused classification have been arrested in Australia.
The government prefers soft-targets like consumers in these matters. Take a look at the way music piracy was prosecuted.
As an Australian gamer I would urge my fellow Australian gamers to exercise caution and look to alternative ways to attack these dracion laws.
Posted: Sep 19th 2009 9:59PM CaramelZappa said
So what I'm seeing here is taht the Australian government supports PC piracy.
Honeslty, nothing is going to stop their citizens from playing these games. They're just throwing away easy tax income.
Honeslty, nothing is going to stop their citizens from playing these games. They're just throwing away easy tax income.
Posted: Sep 20th 2009 3:53AM Typhojd said
:
Posted: Sep 20th 2009 5:19AM Kinetic said
Just put it up on in Games on Demand and list its age rating as unclassified/unrated?
Posted: Sep 20th 2009 5:29AM Lloyd said
The reason we don't have an R18+ classificatioin in Australia is because of just one *utter* tool. Each state in Australia has an Attorney-General, and in order for the classification to be allowed, all of them have to vote yes. He has continually voted no because, apparently, someeon has to "think of the children". His name is Michael Atkinson and he is the South Australian Attorney-General. His contact details are;
South Australian Attorney-General, Hon Michael Atkinson MP
GPO Box 464
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone: (08) 8207 1723
Fax: (08) 8207 1736
Email: attorney-general@agd.sa.gov.au
Go nuts, Joystiqers.
South Australian Attorney-General, Hon Michael Atkinson MP
GPO Box 464
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone: (08) 8207 1723
Fax: (08) 8207 1736
Email: attorney-general@agd.sa.gov.au
Go nuts, Joystiqers.
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