The debate over Australian game censorship continues to grow, with the announcement of a new questionnaire being set up by the Australian government, asking their citizens to vote on whether or not they want the creation of an “R” rating to allow for the release of adult only video games in the country.
Numerous games have been banned outright in the country due to its lack of the “R” rating, a failure that has left Australia regarded as a laughing stock in the eyes of many in the entertainment industry. The most recent such victim was the game adaptation of “Aliens Vs Predator”. Unlike some games, which were later released in censored form, the company behind “AVP” gave a strongly worded statement refusing to censor the game for Australia, making a pointed comment about not being interested in pandering to territories that refuse to treat their adult citizens as adult. Now Australians can get online and read the document, which offers for and against arguments (the ‘against’ being the usual tired old “we must protect the children” clichés).
The deadline for Australians to air their opinions is the twenty eighth of February next year. So does this mean a “R” rating could finally be on the cards for Australia if the public supports it? Well, not necessarily. This is a question, not a referendum, and all the country’s Attorney Generals would have to be in agreement to allow for the creation of a new rating, which given the notoriously backward stance of South Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson, does not seem very likely. Questionnaire or no, Australian gamers are still not holding their breath for change anytime soon.
