Australia is the only Western country without an R rating for computer and video games. If a game is deemed unsuitable for MA15+ by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, it is refused classification and cannot be sold. Titles including 50 Cent, Bulletproof, Postal 2, Leisure Suit Larry, NARC, Singles, Blitz: The League, and Manhunt have all been refused classification in recent years. In 2008 alone, four game titles have been banned: Silent Hill, Fallout 3, Dark Sector and Shellshock 2. Fallout 3 received classification only after the developers modified the game world-wide to remove drug references.
According to recent surveys, the average age of gamers in Australia is around 30 years old. The current system treats all gamers as if they were 15 years old, and unable to decide for themselves what games are appropriate to play.
An R18+ classification would require the unanimous support of all Attorneys-General, and in the past moves to change the current classification have been blocked on the vote of a single state Attorney-General.
EFA is now sponsoring a campaign to have the R18+ classification for games introduced in Australia.
To get involved in the campaign, visit the EFA Wiki space on R18+ Games.
