User:Aeyeu/sandbox

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Below is a list and summary of video games that have been Refused Classification (banned) within Australia.

Overview[edit]

See also: Censorship in Australia
Main article: Video gaming in Australia

Under Australian law, all media intended for retail display, such as films, must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB, formerly, the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) until its dissolution in 2006.) A work deemed too inappropriate by the ACB may be Refused Classification (RC), effectively banning it from being sold at retail, and placing the work on the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service list of prohibited items. Any copies of such works found at the border will be seized,[1] and the recipient, depending on the number of copies being imported, may receive up to A$110,000 in fines.[2]

Originally, video games within Australia were only rated up to the MA15+ rating. At the time, the R18+ classification rating could only be given to films, but a video game with content deemed fitting for the R18+ rating would be classified as "Refused Classification" due to an appropriate classification not being available for the medium.

In July and August 2011, all Australian state Attorneys-General except the New South Wales state Attorney-General agreed to instate an R18+ rating for video games, which would be available by the end of 2011.[3] Many games previously Refused Classification would now fit into the R18+ rating and, if the publisher chose to pay the reclassification fee, would theoretically be able to sell their game in Australia. The date was later changed to allow the rating to be introduced at the beginning of 2013.[4]

With the R18+ rating in place, it is expected fewer video games will be given the Refused Classification rating. Games may still be Refused Classification if deemed to contain material unsuitable for the R18+ classification, such as depictions of sexual violence, the promotion of illegal drug use, drug use that is related to incentives and rewards, and interactive sexual activity involving a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 years of age. More specifically, games which may be Refused Classification include:

  • Detailed instruction or promotion in matters of crime or violence.
  • Depictions of rape.
  • The promotion or provision of instruction in paedophile activity.
  • Descriptions or depictions of child sexual abuse or any other exploitative or offensive descriptions or depictions involving a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 years.
  • Gratuitous, exploitative or offensive depictions of:
    • (i) violence with a very high degree of impact or which are excessively frequent, prolonged, or detailed;
    • (ii) cruelty or real violence which are very detailed or which have an extremely high degree of impact;
    • (iii) sexual violence;
  • Depictions of practices such as bestiality.
  • Gratuitous, exploitative or offensive depictions of:
    • (i) activity accompanied by fetishes or practices that are offensive or abhorrent;
    • (ii) incest fantasies or other fantasies that are offensive or abhorrent;

Classification is compulsory, and games Refused Classification by the ACB are banned for sale, hire or public exhibition, carrying a maximum fine of $275,000 and/or 10 years in jail. It is, however, legal to possess RC games (except in Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory).

The list depicted below is of games that are either still banned, or were initially banned but have been edited exclusively for Australia. Some of these games were banned before the introduction of the R18+ classification rating; if some of these games were to be re-classified today, they would likely receive the R18+ rating. The second list is of games that have been eventually released unedited, rating appealed, or the worldwide edition later being released uncut and being identical to other countries.

Due to the licensing of the International Age Rating Coalition software for developers to rate their own game(s), several hundred games have been banned from various app stores and due to said games being relatively minor they will not be listed here.[5]

List of video games Refused Classification[edit]

Current[edit]

The list below includes games where the worldwide edition has been banned for sale in Australia because either the game has been Refused Classification or a classification has been revoked. Games in this list with a current classification are available for purchase in a censored or altered form.

Name Original Date of Certification[6] Reason Original Rating Present Rating
Postal 4: No Regerts (2022) 21 March 2023 Banned through IARC for high-impact gratuitous violence.[7]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Oshi No Love Yori Koi No Love + Love or Die (2022) 2022-05-06 Banned through IARC for interactive sexual activity involving a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 years.[8]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition (2022) 2022-05-04 Banned through IARC for interactive sexual activity involving a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 years.[9]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Deathsmiles I & II (2007) 2022-02-28 Banned for interactive sexual activity involving a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 years.[10] Originally released in 2007, and following an upcoming special edition release edition on the Nintendo Switch console, the game was initially classified as M with Sexualised Imagery as the content warning.[11]This rating was changed a day later to M with the Horror Themes content warning,[12] and within that same day changed to PG with the Sexualised Imagery, Mild Nudity and Scary Scenes content warnings.[13]
Parental Guidance (PG)
Parental Guidance (PG)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Ultreïa (2022) 2021-12-24 Banned through IARC for drug use related to incentives and rewards.[14]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Of Bird and Cage (2022) 2021-12-03 Banned through IARC for the interactive use of illegal or recreational drugs.[15]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Mary Skelter: Finale (2021) 2021-06-16 Banned for interactive sexual activity involving a person who is, or appears to be, under the age of 18 years.[16]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
A Place for the Unwilling (2019) 2021-01-25 Banned through IARC for interactive sexual activity involving a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 years.[17]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Wasteland 3 (2020) 2020-02-26 Banned for drug use related to incentives and rewards.[18] A censored edition was later classified as R18+.[19]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Restricted (R 18+)
Restricted (R 18+)
Sludge Life (2020) 2020-01-23 Banned for drug use related to incentives and rewards.[20]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)

Overturned[edit]

The list below includes games where the Australia edition is identical to that of other coutnries because either: the rating has successfully been appealed, the worldwide edition has later been released in Australia unedited ("uncut"), or the game has received a worldwide edit.

Name Original Date of Certification[6] Reason Original Rating Present Rating
Hell Pie (2022) 2022-05-04 Banned through IARC for interactive drug use. Following a review by the Australian Classification Review Board in August 2022, the games drug use was found to be justified by context, "the depiction of cannabis within the game, although interactive, is not detailed or realistic.", and was subsequently re-classified R18+.[21]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Restricted (R 18+)
Restricted (R 18+)
Rimworld (2018) 2022-02-28 Banned through IARC for drug use related to incentives and rewards.[22] Following a review by the Australian Classification Review Board in April 2022, its drug use was found to be justified by context, as "the game mechanic ultimately provides disincentives related to drug-taking behaviour, to the point where regular drug use leads to negative consequences such as overdose, addiction, and withdrawal", subsequently re-classified as R 18+.[23]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Restricted (R 18+)
Restricted (R 18+)
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (2021) 2021-03-19 Banned for drug use related to incentives and rewards.[24] Upon review by the Australian Review Board and insight from the developer ZA/UM, the Classification Board agreed that player performance showed negative impacts from depictions of drug use.[25][26]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Restricted (R 18+)
Restricted (R 18+)
The Medium (2020) 2020-07-06 Banned through IARC for references to sexual violence. Rating was later appealed and overturned.[27]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Restricted (R 18+)
Restricted (R 18+)
Katana Zero (2019) 2019-04-18 Banned through IARC for drug use related to incentives and rewards.[28] Rating was later appealed and overturned.[29]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Restricted (R 18+)
Restricted (R 18+)
DayZ (2018) 2019-06-04 Originally rated MA 15+ for Strong Violence and Online Interactivity,[30] was later banned for drug use related to incentives and rewards.[31] Rating was later appealed and overturned.[32]
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
We Happy Few (2018) 2018-05-21 Banned for drug use related to incentives and rewards.[33] Rating was later appealed and overturned.[34]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Restricted (R 18+)
Restricted (R 18+)
Outlast 2 (2017) 2017-03-15 Banned for implied sexual violence.[35]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Restricted (R 18+)
Restricted (R 18+)
Paranautical Activity (2016) 2016-01-05 Banned for drug use related to incentives and rewards.[36] Rating was later appealed and overturned.[37] On 25 April 2018 the rating was updated to MA15+.[38]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
Hotline Miami (2012) 2013-05-07 Originally rated MA 15+ on 7 May 2013,[39] and later rated R18+ on 28 May 2015,[40] it was later banned through IARC for an implied sexual assault scene.[41] Rating was later appealed and overturned.[42]
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
The House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut (2011) 2011-08-23 Original game release was rated MA 15+ on 5 December 2008,[43] extended cut version was banned for high impact bloody violence.[44] rating later appealed and overturned.[45]
Refused Classification (RC)
Refused Classification (RC)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)
' () YYYY-MM-DD Banned for .[46]


See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Import or export objectionable goods | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  2. ^ Kozanecki, James (15 March 2011). "Aussie customs to seize Mortal Kombat imports". Gamespot. Gamespot. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
  3. ^ "'Historic agreement' on R18+ video games". The Sydney Morning Herald. 14 March 2011. Archived from the original on 22 September 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
  4. ^ Lien, Tracey (15 February 2012). "R18+ Scheduled To Kick In January 2013". Kotaku Australia. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
  5. ^ Sveen, Benjamin (30 June 2015). "Australia bans 220 video games in 4 months as Government adopts new classification model". ABC News. Archived from the original on 3 July 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Classification Title | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  7. ^ "POSTAL 4: No Regerts | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 21 March 2023. Archived from the original on 25 March 2023.
  8. ^ "推しのラブより恋のラブ＋ラブ・オア・ダイ | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 8 May 2022.
  9. ^ "Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 4 May 2022. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022.
  10. ^ "DEATHSMILES I & II | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  11. ^ "Deathsmiles I･II | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 3 August 2021. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  12. ^ "Deathsmiles I･II | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 4 August 2021. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  13. ^ "Deathsmiles I・II | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 4 August 2021. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  14. ^ "Ultreïa | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 24 December 2021. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  15. ^ "Of Bird and Cage | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 3 December 2021. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  16. ^ "MARY SKELTER FINALE | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 16 June 2021. Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  17. ^ "A Place for the Unwilling | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 25 January 2021. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  18. ^ "WASTELAND 3 | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 26 February 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  19. ^ "WASTELAND 3 | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 13 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  20. ^ "Sludge Life | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 23 January 2020. Archived from the original on 8 February 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  21. ^ "Hell Pie | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 4 May 2022. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022.
  22. ^ "RIMWORLD | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 20 April 2022. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022.
  23. ^ "RimWorld classified R 18+ | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 20 April 2022. Archived from the original on 20 April 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  24. ^ "DISCO ELYSIUM - THE FINAL CUT | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 18 March 2021. Archived from the original on 19 March 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  25. ^ "DISCO ELYSIUM - THE FINAL CUT | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 14 May 2021. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  26. ^ "RIMWORLD | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 20 April 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  27. ^ "THE MEDIUM | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 22 December 2022. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  28. ^ "Katana ZERO | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 20 August 2018. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  29. ^ "Katana Zero | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 16 September 2020. Archived from the original on 28 December 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  30. ^ "DayZ | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 12 October 2018. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  31. ^ "DAYZ | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 4 June 2019. Archived from the original on 27 March 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  32. ^ "DAYZ | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 20 August 2019. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  33. ^ "WE HAPPY FEW | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 21 May 2018. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023.
  34. ^ "WE HAPPY FEW | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 3 July 2018. [no Archived] from the original on no. Retrieved 15 April 2023. {{cite web}}: Check |archive-url= value (help); Check date values in: |archive-date= (help)
  35. ^ {{cite web}}: Empty citation (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  36. ^ "PARANAUTICAL ACTIVITY | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 5 January 2016. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  37. ^ "Paranautical Activity | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 16 January 2016. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  38. ^ "Paranautical Activity | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 25 April 2018. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  39. ^ "HOTLINE MIAMI | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 7 May 2013. Archived from the original on 7 February 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  40. ^ "Hotline Miami | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 28 May 2015. Archived from the original on 7 February 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  41. ^ "Hotline Miami | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 13 June 2019. Archived from the original on 7 February 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  42. ^ "Hotline Miami | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 15 July 2022. Archived from the original on 15 July 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  43. ^ "HOUSE OF THE DEAD: OVERKILL | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 5 December 2008. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  44. ^ "THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: OVERKILL EXTENDED CUT | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 23 August 2011. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  45. ^ "THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: OVERKILL EXTENDED CUT | Australian Classification". Australian Classification. 26 September 2011. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  46. ^ {{cite web}}: Empty citation (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links[edit]

Video games Australia Video games banned in Australia Video games banned in Australia

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