Yet another videogame falls victim to Australia's backwards and broken rating system. If you live in Australia and decided to be part of the Left 4 Dead 2 boycott, your job has just been made easier as the OFLC recently refused classification to the zombie-smashing sequel, making it another in a long list of things that the country's residents aren't allowed to play.
If Valve wants Left 4 Dead 2 to be released in Australia, it will have to heavily edit the game and make it suitable for the 15+ market, since Australia claims to be a developed nation and yet doesn't have 18 certificates. Given the sheer scope of violence in L4D2, it's likely impossible to make an acceptable version without gutting the game completely.
This is sad news for Australians but, dismayingly, it's simply to be expected. The country's rating system just isn't practical for the modern day world, and is ill-equipped to deal with the real world. As always, Destructoid extends commiserations to our readers down under who have been screwed over, yet again, thanks to a few out-of-touch morons who think they know what's best for the rest of the population.
Utterly pathetic.
[Thanks, Puppy Licks]
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
7:00 AM on 09.17.2009
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/starts sobbing.
Australia killed the Dreamcast.
Also, Valve still loves you Australia, won't you give a little back?
O_o Umm eh? That's like saying it will be a sad day when it starts raining dog shit, it's not gonna happen so I wouldn't worry yourself.
From what I can tell the UK currently has no classification laws and the fact that the UK government is looking to actively promote digital industry through the Digital Britain campaign, so I have strong evidence to support the contrary.
Do you have any evidence behind your supposition?
I feel sorry for every Australian.
EVERY SINGLE ONE.
NZ's censorship laws are normal, yet we get fucked by Australias backwardsness.
What did it fail on exactly, and how has this oversight of censorship not been fixed yet???
The attorney general thinks violence in games is something the Australian people don't want. And anything more gruesome then what is suggestible for 15yearolds is nothing the public want a part in.
It has been banned because MA15+ is to low for it, and 18+ doesn't exist.
Why NZ have to suffer is due to distribution and publishing rights. You are simply to small, though steam might save you from this.
This is kinda becoming a silly loop.
thanks man
@Blacksunempire:
the level of violence, the fact you're killing "infected humans", the potencey of the melee weapons and so on. I wrote up the reasons on my cblog.
I always wanted to not play things as intended. Hence why life is so boring!
What's more pathetic, the government or the apathetic gamers that don't try and change the system?
I vote the latter.
This really sucks though.
I may complain about Europeans getting shafted a lot as I live in the UK, but it doesn't even compare to the shit that happens in Australia.
Fuck this shit, I'm outta here.
however, I cannot see this happening.
Australia = fail
"From what I've heard", or "from what I've seen on Home and Away"?
Australia, like every country, has great places and horrible places. All countries have areas of beauty and hot women somewhere. I fail to see how that justifies ridiculous censorship.
Not trying to justify anything. Censorship sucks. People should have the right to choose for themselves what the do or do not wish to see. The fact that Australia is limited from any gaming is terribly unfair to those who enjoy that medium. Sorry if my attempt at light-hearted banter was a FAIL.
I'll shuts up.
If it's so far gone in games, how does the rest look like?
No need to shut up, my undead advisory friend. I understand what you're saying and I'm encouraged that you recognise the breach of freedom.
I lawl'd
They kill their young at 17, so there's no need for an 18 rating.
Oh wait, this can't be good.
I say to my aussie cousins, fuck your up side down government and just import a copy of L4D2. That's why Play Asia or Play.com exist. Its possible L4D2 might be region free, since Orange Box was.
The other way Valve can get round this, is for Valve to give the 360 version to MS and offer it for download to aussie gamers 360 via Games on Demand. This would bypass their established dumb certification, giving gamers what they want (wishful thinking perhaps). Perhaps MS should think about selling all 18 rated games this way to Australia.
When the zombie invasion happens they will be so unprepared.
If not.. I'm going to have to start me a business. I'm going to go find out what it costs to ship something to Australia.
:(