australian-classification-board
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Hotline Miami 2 refused classification in Australia [update]
Hotline Miami 2 is effectively banned from sale in Australia, following the Australian Classification Board's decision to refuse classification. According to Kotaku and Player Attack, the legislative body's report describes an implicit rape scene featuring "visual depiction of implied sexual violence" as part of the offending content. On its website, the ACB says the ruling is accordance with National Classification Code that refuses classification to games featuring "matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena" that offend accepted standards. The site's listing doesn't note the scene specified in the report obtained by Kotaku and Player Attack. According to both publications, the report notes that it doesn't include a complete list of the content that contributed to the ACB's decision. [Update: Devolver Digital published a response to the ruling this morning, which you can read in full below the break. The publisher says it's "concerned and disappointed that a board of professionals tasked with evaluating and judging games fairly and honestly would stretch the facts to such a degree..." Devolver added it has no plans to officially challenge the decision.]
Borderlands Remastered Edition listed by Australian ratings board
Borderlands may be the series to finally fill the void of cross-generation remasters, going by a new listing published by the Australian Classification Board. The MA15+ multiplatform rating for "Borderlands Remastered Edition" notes Gearbox Software and 2K Australia as the authors and 2K as the publisher. All that's missing is the official confirm from 2K [Update: When approached, a 2K spokesperson told Joystiq, "We have made no announcements and have nothing to state at this time.] From here on in we've firmly got our speculating psycho mask on. So, the three Borderlands - 1, 2 and The Pre-Sequel - came to the last generation of systems. So it would make sense for a remastered re-release to bundle the trilogy for PS4, Xbox One and PC. Throw in all the DLC (why not?) and a friendly price tag and you, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.
AU ratings board classifies BioWare's 'Green Cloud'
An entry for a new game from Mass Effect and Dragon Age series developer BioWare appeared on the Australian Classifications Board website this week. Listed under "Green Cloud," presumably as a code-name, the game earned a MA 15+ rating from the board due to its "strong fantasy violence and sexual references" as well as online interactivity. Nothing else is known about Green Cloud, though it is listed as a multiplatform game on the ratings website. No listing for Green Cloud appears when searching ESRB and PEGI's directories. BioWare did reveal its 4-on-1 action RPG at Gamescom in August, Shadow Realms. The next game from the studio is Dragon Age: Inquisition, which was delayed to November 18 as of July. [Image: Australian Classifications Board]
Left 4 Dead 2 now uncensored on Steam in Australia, 75% off
Australian residents age 18 or older are able to play the uncensored version of Left 4 Dead 2, after the R18+ classification for the game sprouted up earlier this month. Those with a censored copy of the game in Australia will be able to apply a free update to the game to upgrade to the bloodier original version on Steam. What's more, Left 4 Dead 2 is currently 75 percent off across all regions it is available ($4.99, £3.74, €4.99) until next Monday, September 22. Left 4 Dead 2 first launched in November 2009 as the sequel to Valve's multiplayer zombie shooter. The R18+ rating in Australia has been in the works for years, and created guidelines under the premise that certain types of graphic content are more impactful in video games than in films. The first game published under the restricted classification in the region was Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge's in January 2013. Deep Silver opted to re-work Saints Row 4 to meet Australia's MA15+ rating in August 2013. [Image: Valve]
Australian ratings reveal Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, F-Zero: GP Legend for Wii U Virtual Console
A pair of ratings submissions from the Australian Classification Board revealed that Konami's Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Nintendo's F-Zero: GP Legend are slated to hit the Wii U's Virtual Console service alongside other Game Boy Advance titles debuting this month. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow launched in 2003 as the third Game Boy Advance entry in Konami's long-running Castlevania series, and later saw a sequel in the early Nintendo DS release Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow. Futuristic racer F-Zero: GP Legend was originally released in 2004, and joins its 2001 GBA predecessor F-Zero: Maximum Velocity as one of the first games announced for the Wii U's Game Boy Advance lineup. Retro-focused Japanese studio M2 announced today that it developed the technology behind the Wii U's Game Boy Advance software emulation, following up on its recent work in Sega's 3D Classics series for the Nintendo 3DS. [Image: Konami / Nintendo]
Watch Dogs PC specs announced, R18+ reclassification in Australia
Two doggie-snack sized bits of Watch Dogs news to report, starting with Ubisoft Montreal releasing the minimum specifications required to run the hacker game on PC. To become a Watch Dog you need a 28.8 BPS modem, an active-matrix display with a million psychedelic colors... oh wait, wrong specs. What you'll really need at minimum is an IntelCore 2 Quad Q8400 2.66Hz processor, or an AMDPhenom II X4 940 3.0 GHz. That's with 6GB of RAM, a 1024 VRAM Direct X11-capable graphics card, a Direct X9 sound card, and 25GB of disk space. There's no info yet on recommended specs, but we're sure Ubisoft will make that available closer to the game's release date of May 27. The second piece of news comes from Australia, where the often-prominent classification board has upgraded - if that's the right word - the game's rating from MA15 to R18+. Watch Dogs received the MA15 rating ahead of its originally planned release late last year, but it was re-submitted to the ACB following the delay and whatever's been added was enough to nudge it into the R18+ category. Comparing the two ratings, the ACB deemed there to be more impact from violence, drug use, and sex in the new version. It's probably still not as wild as Zero Cool, though. [Image: Ubisoft]
AirMech getting multiplatform follow-up, classification suggests
Ubisoft could be gearing up for a multiplatform release or spinoff for Carbon Games' browser and PC RTS AirMech, a recent Australian classification rating indicates. The Australian Classification Board added an entry for the previously unannounced AirMech Arena last week, assigning the multiplatform game a PG rating. A Brazilian newspaper corroborates the title, describing it as an upcoming North American release for the Xbox 360. Developer Carbon Games declined to comment when questioned about Arena, saying that further announcements will be made after the PC version wraps up its beta phase. We've reached out to Ubisoft for details, and will update with any new information. [Update: An Ubisoft representative responded to our request for more information, stating "We have no comment on rumor or speculation."] [Image: Carbon Games]
Modified Saints Row 4 granted MA15+ rating in Australia
Saints Row 4 was finally deemed acceptable to be sold in Australia today, having previously been denied classification twice by the territory's ratings board. The listing isn't currently on the Australian Classification Board's site, but publisher Deep Silver provided us with a statement confirming a reworked version of the game earned, in a curious twist, the MA15+ rating rather than the adult-only R18+ rating it failed to achieve previously. Deep Silver said developer Volition removed one 20-minute mission in the reworked version, and noted the 'Rectifier' anal probe weapon, which the ACB also raised concern over, will be available in a DLC pack "as originally intended." Deep Silver's statement reads: Deep Silver and [local distributor] AIE are pleased to report that the Australian Classification Board has now approved Saints Row IV for sale. They have granted the game a MA15+ rating. To achieve this rating one loyalty mission featuring the character Shaundi has been removed. This mission has been widely reported on and contains the use of alien narcotics to obtain certain superpowers. This mission represents approximately 20 minutes of gameplay out of the hours available to purchasers. The removal of this mission has no negative impact on the story or the superpowers and will not detract from the enjoyment players will get from their Saints Row IV experience. The rectifier weapon will be available as part of a DLC package as originally intended. Deep Silver respects this decision and thanks the Australian Classification Board for their assistance with this matter. Back in June, Volition's over-the-top sandbox adventure became the first game to be refused classification by the ACB following the long-lobbied-for introduction of the R18+ rating. Deep Silver requested the ACB re-review the decision, which the rating board did last week when it once again denied the game classification. Today's news means the saga is finally at an end, and the game can and will be sold in the Australian territory; Deep Silver confirmed to Joystiq the Australian release date remains August 22. Elsewhere, The Xbox 360, PS3, and PC game comes to North America on August 20, and Europe on August 23.
Grand Theft Auto 5 rated R18+ in Australia
The Australian Classification Board handed the R18+ rating to Grand Theft Auto 5 today, so those fearing a possible repeat of the refused classification for Saints Row 4 can relax. The classification offers no indication the Aussie version of Rockstar North's upcoming crime-fest had any of its content edited. The adult-only rating means GTA 5 can now be sold in Australia, and it's heading to retail shelves there and the world over on September 17 for Xbox 360 and PS3. The decision may underline consternation from fans over why Saints Row 4 wasn't allowed through in light of the traditional rivals' similarities but differing decisions. The ACB recently re-reviewed its decision on an unedited version of Saints Row 4, but reaffirmed the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC game's ban due to its depiction of drug use. Publisher Deep Silver is expected to submit an edited version of the exuberant sandbox game to the ACB. Elsewhere, Saints Row 4 comes to North America on August 20, and Europe on August 23
Saints Row 4 denied Australian classification in re-review
The Australian Classification Board reaffirmed the ban on Saints Row 4, a three-person panel unanimously refusing the game classification in its re-review of the original decision. Drugs were again the cause of consternation for the ACB, who said Volition's over-the-top sandbox game couldn't attain the recently introduced R18+ rating and as such be sold in the country because "drug use related to incentives and rewards is not permitted." Saints Row 4 is expected to launch in Australia on August 23, the Steam page listing a "Low Violence" version; publisher Deep Silver told us in June it had plans to submit a reworked version of the game for the territory. The decision passed today, the ACB clarified, is on the "unedited" version of the game. We've reached out to Deep Silver for comment. On January 1, Australia passed the much-lobbied-for law permitting games for audiences over the age of 15 to be bought in the country, these games carrying a R18+ rating. Many games have since earned the rating, including Ninja Gaiden 3 and Dead Island: Riptide, but in June Saints Row 4 became the first game to be refused classification since the law's introduction. It was soon followed by XBLA hit State of Decay, although unlike Saints Row 4 that game has since been rated R18+.
State of Decay gets Australian R18+ rating second time around
State of Decay passed its Australian Classification Board re-review with R18+ colors, confirming the ACB says no to drugs but yes-alright-then to vitamins. The XBLA horror was denied entry to Australia after the ACB waggled its finger at the depiction of drug use, so dev Undead Labs changed the game's "stimulants" to "supplements" and re-submitted it. Lo and behold, the game can now be sold in Oz, and in its announcement of the approval Undead said, "Stay tuned for more news tomorrow." State of Decay was the second game to be banned in Australia since the R18+ rating's introduction, the first being none other than Saints Row 4. Developer Volition plans to submit a re-worked version of that game to the ACB, namely a "low violence" one if Steam Australia is anything to go by.
Crash 'n the Boys Australian rating hints at Wii U Virtual Console release
An Australian Classification rating for the 1992 NES urban olympics title Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge has surfaced, hinting at an upcoming release for the Wii U's Virtual Console service. Notably, Crash 'n the Boys is part of the same series as developer Technos' River City Ransom, a cult classic that ranks as an all-time favorite among many NES fans. While it arrived at retail late in the NES's lifespan and never gained much of a following, Street Challenge's appearance on the Wii U could potentially be followed by Virtual Console upgrades for Super Dodge Ball, Double Dragon, and other well-remembered titles from Technos' back catalog. Crash 'n the Boys is rated PG for "mild violence" – a generous classification, as the game includes a swimming minigame in which players attempt to drown their opponents. Joystiq's David Hinkle took the game for a spin back when it first launched for the Wii's Virtual Console, calling it "fun, but tiring."
Bethesda's 'Endless Summer' emerges on Australian ratings board
An Australian rating for something called 'Endless Summer' points to Bethesda and its parent company Zenimax. The listing is for a 15-rated "modified" game and notes "strong horror themes and violence."The rating comes hot on the heels of Bethesda announcing Shinji Mikami's The Evil Within, so it could be another codename for the horror game; The Evil Within isn't listed on the Australian Classification Board. Or it could be something else entirely - a surprisingly gritty adaptation of the 1974 album by pop sensations The Beach Boys, maybe. We asked Bethesda, but a company representative told us he couldn't comment on the listing.A surfer-slasher re-imagining it is, then.Update: A Bethesda representative has reached out to say, "We have nothing to share at this point." And we're back to surfer-slasher. [Image: Pakhnyushcha via Shutterstock]
Rampant Speculation Theatre presents: Australian Classification Board rates 'Rabbids Rumble'
The Australian Classification Board has issued a rating of "G" to Rabbids Rumble from Ubisoft, which doesn't exist. Okay, well, not officially anyway. We're sure something exists, and that the Australian Classification Board rated it, but Ubisoft has yet to publicly acknowledge its existence, whatever it is. Just like every other time we've been present with a leak that completely lacks context, Rampant Speculation Theatre has some ludicrous, baseless guesses totally reasonable ideas about what Rabbids Rumble might be. Not to miss the brawler gravy train, Rabbids Rumble will be a Smash Bros.-esque fighter starring all the extremely recognizable characters we all know and love from the Rabbids franchise, like, uhm, the white one, or the one with the ears. Launch is tentatively set for "whenever PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale comes out." Other entirely made up sources claim that Rabbids Rumble is actually a hyper serious seismology simulator, wherein the player takes control of a Rabbid Seismologist that must analyze tectonic recordings from around the globe. Microtransactional progression is implemented via seismometer upgrades that can either be earned in-game, or purchased as DLC.
Microsoft's 'Joy Ride Turbo' outed in AU ratings
We haven't seen the end of Joy Ride, at least not according to the Australian Classification Board. The organization has outed "Joy Ride Turbo" from Microsoft Studios. Exactly what Turbo has to do with Kinect Joy Ride is still up in the air (doing tricks, presumably).Could Turbo be closer to the original, free-to-play XBLA kart racer that never was? Possibly. Will it be another invisible-steering-wheel Kinect title? Probably.
Rating: Blacklight dev making Frogger Hyper Arcade Edition
Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition is in development for multiple platforms, a rating from the Australian classification board reveals, but that's not the news here. Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition is being developed by Zombie Studios, the team behind the heavily homicidal, shoot-em-up, bullet-frenzied Blacklight franchise. Original creator Konami is set to publish the new title, and it received the lowest rating of "General" from the Australian ratings board.Unfortunately the rating immediately dismisses all of our dreams of a first-person, shotgun-wielding Frogger who doesn't try to avoid the cars in the road -- he just exterminates them. Whatever comes of this strange union, it's sure to display a side we haven't seen from someone.
Crimson Dragon rated in Australia, features markings of 'Project Draco'
It would appear the final name of "Project Draco" will be Crimson Dragon, if the pieces of a recent Australian classification fit neatly together. The author of the classification is listed as Grounding Inc., with Microsoft as publisher. Also, the game is called Crimson Dragon, which seems to perfectly describe the flying reptilian protagonist of the game.Project Draco, a Kinect-based dragon shooter, is heavily inspired by the Panzer Dragoon series. This observation is totally cool since the game is under the direction of Panzer Dragoon creator Yukio Futatsugi and many of the game's original team members. Project Draco is expected to fly sometime this year.
R18+ bill goes before Australian parliament in February
A bill to allow an R18+ rating for games in Australia will be introduced to the parliament in February, Gamespot AU reports. Federal Minister for Home Affairs Jason Clare plans to introduce the bill during the first session in parliament this year, expected to commence February 7.Once introduced, the bill has to make its way through both houses, which have shown support for the bill. Even after all that, depending on the speed of the Classification Board, the R18+ rating could take some time to be in use. The point of the R18+ rating is to create an equivalent to the United States' ESRB "M" and Europe's "PEGI 18," allowing games deemed unsuitable for those under 15 years-of-age to be sold in the country. The current classifications regularly result in the outright banning of games in Australia, or massively toned down versions being produced for the continent.
THQ adaptation of Pixar's 'Brave' pops up in Australian ratings
THQ suffered a rocky patch in the universe of potentially fake things this week, with rumors suggesting its entire 2014 game lineup was canceled and that it was in serious financial trouble -- THQ refuted all of these, and there is now some more credence to its denial. One of the games rumored to be canceled was an unannounced Disney IP, which most believed to be THQ's tie-in with Pixar's Brave.Brave the video game today has a rating on the Australian classification database, published by THQ, developed by Behaviour Interactive and rated PG for mild violence. A senior source at Disney also told Develop that there was no reason to believe Brave was canceled, although THQ has yet to officially announce the existence of the project, Develop says.
THQ listed as Nexuiz publisher [update: it won't be Capcom]
It looks like grassroots-turned-XBLA/PSN CryEngine 3 arena shooter Nexuiz has found itself a publisher, bringing it one step closer to meeting the winter 2011 release window originally slated for the title. According to an Australian Classification Board filing, Capcom has landed the gig of bringing multiplayer mayhem to American living rooms, while its international publishing partner THQ will handle the legwork in the land down under. Update: It seems THQ may be the publisher after all. Capcom USA told Joystiq this was an error in the listing. "Capcom does work with THQ Australia on a number of our titles, so this may have just been an easy mistake. We are not working on this." We're told THQ Australia is working to correct the information. We still don't know any release date or pricing information, but ratings filings are usually a good indication of logistical specifics in our near future.
