Australia finally getting its R18+ rating
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Australia is finally getting an R18+ classification for video games, meaning that games deemed unacceptable for minors under 15 can be sold in the country. Minister for Justice Brendan O'Connor announced today that the New South Wales Attorney-General, who was the only censorship minister to abstain from last month's vote, has given his "in-principle support" for the new rating.
"I am delighted that NSW has decided to support what is not just a practical public policy, but a very popular policy," said O'Connor. "Once introduced, the new classification will also afford adults the opportunity to view material designed for adults."
Draft guidelines presented at the prior meeting have since been amended, requiring approvals from some jurisdiction's cabinets. The government is moving forward to introduce the new classification, which it had previously hoped to have available by year's end.
[Thanks, Shane.]
Reader Comments (46)
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:07AM Excessive said
I'll finally be able to buy L4D2!
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 5:37PM Hivetyrant said
@Razer922
That's assuming they can submit it for classification, considering it was once before and lost it's appeal as well from memory.
Laws is stupid here :(
Reply
That's assuming they can submit it for classification, considering it was once before and lost it's appeal as well from memory.
Laws is stupid here :(
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 8:49PM Apsac D said
@Excessive
You could always buy it... Just in it's nerf-tastic state where there's no blood, gore and dead bodies disappear in one second after death.
They also don't burn. But I bought it ages ago and use Left 4 Uncut. You can also buy it from Steam UK apparently. Don't let the Governments oppress you, brother... mate.
Reply
You could always buy it... Just in it's nerf-tastic state where there's no blood, gore and dead bodies disappear in one second after death.
They also don't burn. But I bought it ages ago and use Left 4 Uncut. You can also buy it from Steam UK apparently. Don't let the Governments oppress you, brother... mate.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:08AM Ryguy226 said
Finally, good for them. That whole 15 year old rating cap was ridiculous, I'm glad Australia will finally get to experience the stuff the rest of us have enjoyed for so long without significant cuts in content.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:09AM koehler83 said
I'll believe when it actually happens.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:15AM YanDaMan said
Only Decades too late, maybe now MK9 will finally be legal to own in Australia.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:36AM My Prerogative said
@YanDaMan I believe it IS legal to own. From what I understand, it is only illegal for Australian retailers to sell MK.
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Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:31PM This Little Man Says His Name Is said
@YanDaMan
MK9 was refused classification which means it is illegal to sell in Australia.
The government said they would be looking out for people importing it, but all the mentions of thousand dollar fines was for people/companies importing large quantities of the game.
Appart from Western Australia and parts of the Northern Territory, there are no laws which say you can't own something which has been refused classification. you just can't sell it/publicly display it/etc..
So it was not illegal to own the game, it was just illegal to sell it, thus buy it, and borderline illegal to import it.
Reply
MK9 was refused classification which means it is illegal to sell in Australia.
The government said they would be looking out for people importing it, but all the mentions of thousand dollar fines was for people/companies importing large quantities of the game.
Appart from Western Australia and parts of the Northern Territory, there are no laws which say you can't own something which has been refused classification. you just can't sell it/publicly display it/etc..
So it was not illegal to own the game, it was just illegal to sell it, thus buy it, and borderline illegal to import it.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:20AM archipelagos said
Gratz to the Australian gamers. How does it feel to finally get treated like adults?
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:34AM theSkillfull1 said
Awesome! Congrats Aussies! Mortal Kombat, here you go! (and AVP, if you're into that)
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 6:35PM Foetoid said
@theSkillfull1
AVP got released in its full glory after an appeal.
The only 2 games of any substance that have ever been banned or significantly censored is MK9 and L4D2.
But of course, 2 games in the history of games worth mentioning are enough for the world to think we're a nanny state with no rights hey?
Reply
AVP got released in its full glory after an appeal.
The only 2 games of any substance that have ever been banned or significantly censored is MK9 and L4D2.
But of course, 2 games in the history of games worth mentioning are enough for the world to think we're a nanny state with no rights hey?
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 7:09PM theSkillfull1 said
@Foetoid
Ah, didn't know ya yot AVP, nice! Either way I think it's awesome so I'm happy for ya!
Reply
Ah, didn't know ya yot AVP, nice! Either way I think it's awesome so I'm happy for ya!
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:34PM This Little Man Says His Name Is said
@Foetoid
Manhunt got its classification revoked after it was initially released.
Reply
Manhunt got its classification revoked after it was initially released.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:42AM SgtDookie said
It relieves me to see this,im in the US but it has made me sick hearing about how content and game releases has been cut because of this idiocy.
Congratulations Australia!
Congratulations Australia!
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:50AM aray48 said
I love Aussies, so i'm happy for all you dudes and dudettes!
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:55AM Rocket Raccoon said
Congrats Australia! :D
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:14AM Xemplar said
Fair dinkum? Crikey! Congrats mate! Let's crack open a fosters and fire up the barbie!
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 6:33PM Colorfuljosh said
@Tezz vb. pure blonde. carlton draught i can name 10 beers better than fosters
Reply
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:39PM This Little Man Says His Name Is said
@Tezz
Overseas Fosters is the "big" Aussie beer. Especially in the UK/Europe.
Reply
Overseas Fosters is the "big" Aussie beer. Especially in the UK/Europe.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:16AM Dance Mofo said
It is about time. Once Mortal Kombat hits, go that that @#%$!
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:23AM Veyneru said
Great news for Australian gamers.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:24AM Sam406 said
In such a momentous occasion, let us stand up for the Australian anthem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McsWKczU6wc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McsWKczU6wc
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:26AM Ductos said
As a German, that makes me sad.
I mean it's great for Australia. And about damn time.
But this also means Germany is now the only country in the world, which will never get an uncensored version of L4D2.
I mean it's great for Australia. And about damn time.
But this also means Germany is now the only country in the world, which will never get an uncensored version of L4D2.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:35AM Joeybeast said
Every body get a copy of Manhunt
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:51AM Accessgranted said
Congrats!
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 12:11PM Altairio said
I'm pleased as punch and everything, but still find it a little silly that there is supposedly content that is okay for an 18 year old yet oh my god there is no way a 15 - 17 year old can see that without it warping their fragile little mind. Makes the whole ratings premise seem ridiculous if you ask me.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 12:42PM bm111 said
NSW... how appropriate.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 1:11PM Klearwater Killer said
Never knew this. It explains why i only saw Aussies in racing games. Or maybe they just like racing games.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 2:59PM Colorfuljosh said
it is about fudging time . was an embarrassment every time we were denied a game cause one single d bag dinosaur living in the 80's still was trying his darnedest to demonise video games o.O
this feelsss gooodd mannnn
this feelsss gooodd mannnn
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 11:47PM This Little Man Says His Name Is said
@Colorfuljosh
You mean all 24 times that a game has been banned/modified?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_banned_video_games#Australia
Reply
You mean all 24 times that a game has been banned/modified?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_banned_video_games#Australia
Posted: Aug 11th 2011 3:41AM Colorfuljosh said
@This Little Man Says His Name Is
yeah ive read the list before and im always defending people who say" dont they ban all those games in australia?" i meant to say every time there was a joystiq article saying "blah blah banned in australia?!!?!?" i would just bow my head in shame.
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yeah ive read the list before and im always defending people who say" dont they ban all those games in australia?" i meant to say every time there was a joystiq article saying "blah blah banned in australia?!!?!?" i would just bow my head in shame.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 3:00PM Colorfuljosh said
poor Germans though ): wish there government would see reason. i mean come on, they gotta be smarter than the bogans running the Australian government.
Posted: Aug 10th 2011 6:30PM Colorfuljosh said
@Xemplar i dont get it. is the mate meant to be ironic?
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Posted: Aug 10th 2011 10:36PM zoron007 said
It says restricted to 18 and over. shouldn't it say restricted to those under 18 or are adults not alowwed to play mature games?






