Left 4 Dead 2 "Banned" in Australia


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While the Australian government dawdles on changes to the country's classification guidelines, games continue to be "refused classification" on the grounds they exceed the maximum rating of MA15+. The latest game on the chopping block? Left 4 Dead 2.

Yup, Valve's Zombie shooter has been refused classification, which means it can't be made commercially available in the country. Not quite the same as a banning, but it has the same effect.

We've contacted Valve for comment, and will update when/if we hear back. Previous games to have suffered this fate usually receive an MA15+ rating later down the line after edits have been made to the offending content.

UPDATE - Here's why it was "refused classification":

  • The game contains violence that is high in impact and is therefore unsuitable for persons aged under 18 to play.
  • It notes that this violence is "inflicted upon ?the Infected' who are living humans infected with a rabies-like virus that causes them to act violently."
  • The report singles out the use of melee weapons as those that "inflict the most damage" and cause "copious amounts of blood spray and splatter (sic), decapitations and limb dismemberment? or even cause intestines to spill from the wounds."
  • In conclusion, the Board finds that the "interactive nature of the game increases the overall impact of the frequent and intense depictions of violence. This coupled with the graphic depictions of blood and gore combine to create a playing impact which is high."
  • Interestingly, the report also reveals that it wasn't a unanimous decision and that "a minority of the Board is of the opinion that the violence is strong in playing impact and therefore warrants an MA15+ classification" instead. However, the majority voted to refuse classification.

"It notes that this violence is "inflicted upon ?the Infected' who are living humans infected with a rabies-like virus that causes them to act violently". Remember, kids, these are the people refusing the game classification. People who think zombies with limbs missing and their guts hanging out are "living humans".

souricon.gif News source: Kotaku

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Speaking of the classifications, every time something like this comes up people blame the government, but it isn't their fault (we changed government last year or so)

The classification system is setup in such a way that games are rated by the OFLC, and the attorney generals decide what systems get what rating schemes, and they need a unanimous agreement to change the scheme.

And there lies the problem, one of the attorney general's believes that games are only for children, and that adults don't play games, and refuses to allow an R18+ rating for games (while we have one for movies, books, etc.)

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I don't know where it's worse to live as a Gamer, Germany or Australia :laugh:

Probably Australia as you guys have the ridiculous prices to top it off.

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Haven't played the original L4D so I can't really comment on the game that much. Other than that it's bullsh*t that we can't have games R18+ like books, films, etc... IMO not just the OFLC think games are for children but also parents are to blame. I've seen parents around bought MA15+ games for their 8 yr old kids like GTA4.... If we have an R18+ rating parents will be like 'Ohhhh but games are for children only' or be like 'Why is my kid is so violent... it's because of games...'

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I don't know where it's worse to live as a Gamer, Germany or Australia :laugh:

Probably Australia as you guys have the ridiculous prices to top it off.

Both are just as bad imo, if a game does eventually get released in Germany its more than likely been censored! This is a shame for the Aussies though but I am sure you guys will import or whatever.

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Importing won't work as it's still tied to Steam.

Of course, if Vave do change or censor the content for Australians, there will be an un-censoring patch soon enough (like there is for German TF2)

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Importing won't work as it's still tied to Steam.

Of course, if Vave do change or censor the content for Australians, there will be an un-censoring patch soon enough (like there is for German TF2)

Ah damn, forgot about Steam. No way you could get someone to gift it to you and use a proxy to play it to bypass the Australian ban?

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Hardly surprised, what was surprising was that the original Left 4 Dead was allowed in the country. Mark my words, Australia will never ever get an R18+ classification for games, ever. To be honest if it bothers you that much, your better off either leaving the country or import the games that were banned (at your own risk) otherwise just deal with it :/

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And there lies the problem, one of the attorney general's believes that games are only for children, and that adults don't play games, and refuses to allow an R18+ rating for games (while we have one for movies, books, etc.)

Which is a load of rubbish. One guy shouldn't be able to deny over 18's the ability to enjoy entertainment in a "free" society.

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While the Australian government dawdles on changes to the country's classification guidelines, games continue to be "refused classification" on the grounds they exceed the maximum rating of MA15+. The latest game on the chopping block? Left 4 Dead 2.

Yup, Valve's Zombie shooter has been refused classification, which means it can't be made commercially available in the country. Not quite the same as a banning, but it has the same effect.

We've contacted Valve for comment, and will update when/if we hear back. Previous games to have suffered this fate usually receive an MA15+ rating later down the line after edits have been made to the offending content.

UPDATE - Here's why it was "refused classification":

"It notes that this violence is "inflicted upon ?the Infected' who are living humans infected with a rabies-like virus that causes them to act violently". Remember, kids, these are the people refusing the game classification. People who think zombies with limbs missing and their guts hanging out are "living humans".

souricon.gif News source: Kotaku

what a shocker

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