r18
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Sexy Poker denied classification in Australia
Sexy Poker, an upcoming WiiWare title from Gameloft, has been denied classification by Australia's OFLC, reports Gamespot. The beautiful part: the board declared that the game's "depictions of nudity as an incentive or reward" is prohibited by the "Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games." A bit strange, considering depictions of nudity have been an incentive in the game of "human existence" since the dawn of time. Of course, this also has a lot to do with Australia's lack of R18+ rating for games. Fear not North America and Europe, for it appears that Sexy Poker will make it to our virtual shores through WiiWare. The Germans rated the title last month and there's also a listing on the ESRB site. According to the ESRB's content description, the game not only titillates with visuals, but with "provocative comments" like, "I'll always know what's in your hand." What, the Wiimote? Let us waggle it for you, Sexy Poker lady. [Via GamePolitics]
Cosplay protest seeks to push R18+ rating in Australia, raises concerns
Gametraders is organizing a rally in support of a long overdue R18+ rating for video games in Australia. Protesters are asked to cosplay -- that is, dress up in a video game costumes -- for the demonstration at 1:00 pm on March 4, on the steps of the Adelaide Parliament House. Initial reaction to the idea has been met with criticism, as Aussie gamers apparently support the message, but not the medium. There are concerns that asking the government for an adult rating for games by those dressed up in costume could not be effective. This might be a time for gamers to put on their work uniforms, bring their children, and show they're a lot older than the Aussie government -- well, really, it's mostly South Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson -- believes they are. [Via GamePolitics]
Australia making R18+ discussion paper public
Australia's censorship ministers (*cringe*) have agreed to release the shelved discussion paper on an R18+ rating for games, reports The Age. The topic was previously on indefinite hold following Attorney General Michael Atkinson's unilateral decision not to let the paper become public.During a recent meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General, the group, including Atkinson, agreed to finalize the discussion paper and release it by the end of the year (it'll be viewable globally on these here internets). Atkinson did not reveal at the meeting why he changed his mind. An R18+ rating means that games won't be banned for being inappropriate for a 15-year-old.
Australia may receive R-rating for games, fewer bans
The Sunburnt Country has never been a very friendly place for video games with adult content. With a maximum game rating of MA15+, games which are deemed unsuitable for the pubescent, corruptible senses of a 15-year-old are often refused classification, and therefore banned. Several North American best-sellers have fallen victim to Australian banning, or been forced to release censored versions for the land down under, such as GTA III, Postal, Manhunt, and (preemptive attack!) Dark Sector.Luckily for gaming Aussies (50 percent of which are over the age of 18), government officials are considering the addition of an R18+ rating, allowing the sale of more mature titles. This proposition will be discussed at the next Standing Committee of Attorneys-General on March 28. Should the system undergo the change, for the first time in Australian video games, there will be blood, nudity, and strong language. You know, the good stuff.
