ALIENS VS. PREDATOR

Prod Rebellion / 2009 / UK

Sega Australia had this game Refused Classification on December 3rd 2009.

Thanks to Joab at gamearena for the report.

Australian Government 
Classification Board

File No: T09/6139

Decision Report 
Classification decisions are made in accordance with the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Act), the National Classification Code and the Classification Guidelines.

Production Details: 
Title: ALIENS VS PREDATOR
Alternate titles: AVP / ALIENS VERSUS PREDATOR / ALIENS VS PREDATOR / ALIENS VS. PREDATOR
Publisher: REBELLION
Programmer: SEGA
Production Company: 
Year of Production: 2009
Duration: VARIABLE
Version: ORIGINAL
Format: MULTI PLATFORM
Country/ies of origin: UK
Language/s: ENGLISH
Application type: CG4
Applicant: SEGA AUSTRALIA

Dates: 
Date application received by die Classification Board: 01 December 2009 
Date of decision: 03 December 2009

Decision: RC
Classification: 
Consumer advice:

A senior panellist has confirmed that the application considered was valid under the Act and that this Decision Report accurately reflects the Board's decision and any minority opinions.

Synopsis: 
In this first-person science-fiction shooter, a player has to undertake campaigns as a US Colonial Marine, Alien or Predator following the awakening of deadly parasites by an archaeological team. The game can be played in single player and various multiplayer modes. 

Reasons for the Decision: 
In making this decision, the Classification Board has applied the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Classification Act), the National Classification Code (the Code) and the Guidelines for the Classification of Rims and Computer Games 2005 (the Guidelines). 

In the Board's view this game warrants an 'RC' classification in accordance with item 1(d) of the computer games table of the National Classification Code: 

"1. Computer games that: 

(d) are unsuitable for a minor to see or play;" will be Refused Classification. 

The game contains violence that is high in impact and is therefore unsuitable for persons aged under 18 years to play. 

The game is loosely based on the film of the same name and a player can choose to play as a Colonial Marine, Alien or Predator. It is a three-dimensional first-person shooter set in a science-fiction context and involves a player having to partake in close-quarters or melee combat with humans. Aliens and Predators. 

The game contains first-person perspective, close-up depictions of human characters being subjected to various types of violence, including explicit decapitation and dismemberment as well as locational damage such as stabbing through the chest, throat, mouth or eyes. Characters can be stabbed with a Predator's wrist blade or an Allen's tail in depictions reminiscent of impalement. The Predator collects "trophies" by explicitly ripping off human heads, their spinal columns dangling from severed necks. Heads can be twisted completely around in order to break a character's neck. Eyes can be stabbed through or gouged, leaving empty, bloodied eye sockets. It is noted that a player is able to combine manoeuvres together in quick succession, which further increases impact; for example, a Predator can stab a character through both eyes with its wrist blade and then rip off their head, with spinal column still attached. Extensive post mortem damage, including decapitation and dismemberment, is also possible. 

Depictions of violence such as the above are accompanied by copious amounts of blood and gore, including ample wound detail and visible skeleton. 

In the opinion of the Board, the violence in the game causes a high playing impact due to its first-person, dose-up perspective, conceptual nature and the level of explicit detail involved in the depictions. The game is therefore unsuitable for a minor to see or play and should be refused classification. 

OTHER MATTERS CONSIDERED OR NOTED 
The Board notes that the appearance of some visual elements of the game suggests that it has not been rendered in its final form. 

Decision: 
This game is Refused Classification.

Review of RC-rating Announced

Australian Government
Classification Review Board

9 December 2009 
MEDIA RELEASE

Classification review announced for the computer game Aliens vs Predator

The Classification Review Board (the Review Board) has received an application to review the classification of the computer game Aliens vs Predator.

Aliens vs Predator was classified RC (Refused Classification) by the Classification Board on 3 December 2009.

The Review Board will meet on 18 December 2009 to consider the application. The decision and reasons will later be published on www.classification.gov.au.

If an individual or organisation wishes to apply for standing as an interested party to this review, please write to the Convenor of the Review Board. The closing date to lodge your application for standing as an interested party and any submissions is Monday 14 December 2009. Please note that the Review Board can only consider submissions about the computer game Aliens vs Predator itself and not any other matters relating to computer games policy or issues generally.

Submissions should be emailed to crb@classification.gov.au or sent to:

The Convenor Classification Review Board Locked Bag 3 HAYMARKET NSW 1240

The Review Board's decision and reasons for its decisions will appear on the Classification website once the review has been finalised.

The Review Board is an independent merits review body. Meeting in camera, it makes a fresh classification decision upon receipt of an application for review. The Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board.

Dropped to MA15+ by Review Board

On December 18th 2009 the Review Board lifted the ban on ALIENS VS. PREDATOR and warded it an MA15+ (Strong science fiction violence) rating.

Full Review Board report

Australian Government 
Classification Review Board

Review Date: 18 December 2009 

23-33 MARY STREET SURRY HILLS, NSW

MEMBERS: 
Dr Melissa de Zwart (chair) 
Ms Helena Blundell 
Mr Alan Wu

APPLICANT 
Sega Australia

INTERESTED PARTIES 
None, however fourteen emails from members of the public were received and noted.

BUSINESS 
To review the Classification Board's decision to classify the computer game Aliens vs Predator RC (Refused Classification).

DECISION AND REASONS FOR DECISION

1. Decision

The Classification Review Board (the Review Board) has classified the computer game Aliens vs Predator MA 15+ with the consumer advice 'Strong science fiction violence'.

2. Legislative provisions

The Classification (Publications, Film and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Classification Act) governs the classification of computer games and the review of classification decisions. Section 9 provides that computer games are to be classified in accordance with the National Classification Code (the Code) and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games (the Guidelines). Section 9A of the Classification Act states that 'A publication, film or computer game that advocates the doing of a terrorist act must be classified RC.'

Relevantly, the Code, under the heading 'Computer Games', provides that computer games that: 

(a) depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified; or 

(b) describe or depict in a way that is likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult, a person who is, or appears to be, a child under 18 (whether the person is engaged in sexual activity or not); or 

(c) promote, incite or instruct in matters of crime or violence; or 

(d) are unsuitable for a minor to see or play

are to be classified RC.

The Code also provides that:

Computer games (except RC computer games) that depict, express or otherwise deal with sex, violence or coarse language in such a manner as to be unsuitable for viewing or playing by persons under 15

are to be classified MA 15+(Mature Accompanied).

Section 11 of the Classification Act requires that the matters to be taken into account in making a decision on the classification of a publication, film or computer game include:

(a) the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults; and

(b) the literary, artistic or educational merit (if any) of the publication, film or computer game; and

(c) the general character of the publication, film or computer game, including whether it is of a medical, legal or scientific character; and 

(d) the persons or class of persons to or amongst whom it is published or is intended or likely to be published.

Three essential principles underlie the use of the Guidelines, determined under section 12 of the Classification Act: 

" the importance of context 

" the assessment of impact, and 

" the six classifiable elements - themes, violence, sex, language, drug use and nudity.

3. Procedure

A three member panel of the Review Board met on 18 December 2009 in response to an application from the original applicant dated 7 December 2009 to review the RC classification of the computer game, determined by the Classification Board. The Review Board had previously determined that the application was valid.

The Review Board was assured that the computer game, the subject of the review application, was the same game that was classified by the Classification Board.

The Applicant provided a written submission and recorded gameplay of the computer game before the hearing. On 18 December 2009, the Review Board viewed the recorded gameplay and a demonstration of the game and heard an oral submission from four persons representing the Applicant, Sega Australia.

The Review Board then considered the matter.

4. Evidence and other material taken into account 

In reaching its decision the Review Board had regard to the following: 

(i) The application for review 

(ii) Sega's written and oral submissions 

(iii) the computer game, Aliens vs Predator 

(iv) the relevant provisions in the Classification Act, the Code and the Guidelines, and 

(v) the Classification Board's report. 

Fourteen emails received from members of the public regarding the computer game were noted by the Review Board.

5. Synopsis

In this first-person science-fiction shooter, a player has to undertake campaigns as a US Colonial Marine, Alien or Predator following the awakening of deadly parasites by an archaeological team. The game can be played in single player and various multiplayer modes. The player is assigned a mission determined by their chosen character. During this mission they undertake combat with a range of other player and non-player characters. The game is set in a futuristic alien environment.

6. Findings on material questions of fact 

The Review Board found that the computer game contains aspects or scenes of importance under various classifiable elements:

(a) Themes - The game is in the first person shooter (FPS) style, with science fiction / horror themes.

The Review Board is of the opinion that these themes can be accommodated in the MA 15+ classification.

(b) Violence - The Board notes that the game includes the following violent scenes:

" 'signature moves' executed by the alien or predator character which include decapitation, removal of heads and spines, stabbing to the eyes, torso and head, tail stabbing; 

" close up of melee / close combat between marines, aliens and predators; 

" 'face-huggers' attaching larval aliens to human hosts; 

" aliens biting to the head and body; 

" removal of heads for retinal scan; 

" use of various weapons; 

" post-mortem damage which can include decapitation and removal of limbs; 

" depictions of skinned bodies 

" blood splatter including some blood splatter on camera lenses; ichor and acid splatter.

It appears that a significant proportion of the violence in the game is against non-human characters and only armed humans may be attacked. However, unarmed humans may be harvested as hosts for larval aliens and will implicitly die as a result.

Despite these violent scenes, the Review Board is of the view that the violent scenes were relatively brief, meaning that the overall impact was no more than strong. The overall sense of violence was not relentless or prolonged, as each violent scene is interspersed with gameplay, dictated by the tasks assigned to the character. The Review Board is of the view that the game depicts strong violence, which is typical of the science fiction/ horror genre. The impact of individual violent scenes is strong, warranting classification at the level of MA15+.

(c) Language - The use of coarse language in the game is infrequent and appropriate to context and can be accommodated within the MA 15+ classification.

(d) Sex - There is no sexual activity apparent in the game.

(e) Drug-use - There is no drug-use apparent in the game.

(f) Nudity - There is one depiction of a scantily clad, stylised (holographic) exotic dancer. The image may be accommodated within the MA 15+ classification.

7. Reasons for the decision

The Review Board is unanimous in its view. The Review Board is of the view that the violence in the game is the principal classifiable element upon which the Review Board should and has made its decision. The Review Board concluded that the violence was strong in impact.

The violent scenes are not prolonged and are interspersed with longer, non-violent gameplay sequences during which the player must complete missions assigned to the character.

The violence is fantastical in nature and justified by the context of the game, set in a futuristic science fiction world inhabited by aliens and predators. The violence is typical of the science fiction/horror genre.

It appears that a majority of the violence is directed against non-human characters, with non-armed humans seemingly incapable of being directly attacked or injured at all. (However, unarmed human may be harvested as hosts for larval aliens and implicitly die as a result).

The 'signature moves', which constitute the more serious violence of the game, do not permit player interactivity in selecting the particular move to be performed. Furthermore, these signature moves are particularly implausible, being executed by alien characters with non-human physiology and weaponry.

The effect of these circumstances is to lessen the impact of the violence, such that its overall impact is no higher than strong.

8. Summary

In a unanimous decision, the Review Board has determined that Aliens vs Predator contains classifiable elements that are no higher than strong in impact and therefore is classified MA 15+ with the consumer advice 'Strong science fiction violence'.

PREDATOR film M-rated

Check-out Nexiva's great clip illustrating the Classification Board's inconsistency in rating films and games.

BMX XXX

Prod Acclaim Entertainment / 2002 / USA / IMDb

Acclaim Entertainment had this Refused Classification on October 16th 2002.

The OFLC issued the following news release on the same day.

The Classification Board has determined that the computer game BMX XXX is "Refused Classification" (RC).

In classifying BMX XXX, the Board worked within the framework of, and applied the provisions of  the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, The National Classification Code, and the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games.

Under the National Classification Code, in the majority of the Board’s view, this game is considered unsuitable for a minor to see or play.

The game warrants an RC classification for nudity. In the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games, nudity, including genitalia is only allowable in a game if there is a ‘bona fide’ educational, medical or community health purpose.

In BMX XXX, the player can choose as a rider a nude female. The nude rider can be viewed in the options menu and can be used to play the game. In the Board’s view this constitutes nudity, and does not have a ‘bona fide’ educational, medical or community health purpose.

Under the current Guidelines, there is no R18+ classification for computer games. Those games that cannot be classified MA15+ or lower are refused classification (RC) and are not legally available in Australia.

***

The full report is as follows. Thanks to Dean L for sending this in.

Title: BMX XXX

Board Report T02/2833

SYNOPSIS:

In third person perspective the player navigates a character on a BMX bike through various levels in order to unlock new bikes, characters and gain other rewards. The player must accomplish set tasks such as collecting aluminium cans and coins or performing bicycle tricks to progress to the next level. The player can also choose clothing options for the rider.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION:

In the majority of the Board’s view this computer game warrants an RC classification, in accordance with section 1 (d) of the Computer Games Table of the National Classification Code, as it is “unsuitable for a minor to see or play”.

The computer game also warrants an RC classification in accordance with the RC criteria in the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games, as it contains “nudity, including genitalia unless there is a ‘bona fide’ educational, medical or community health purpose”.

In arriving at the decision the Board considered the criteria set out in the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games. The Board also took into account Section 11 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer games) Act 1995:

“11 The matters to be taken into account in making a decision on the classification of a publication, a film or a computer game include:

(a) the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults; and

(b) the literary, artistic or educational merit (if any) of the publication, film or computer game; and

(c) the general character of the publication, film or computer game, including whether it is of a medical, legal or scientific character; and

(d) the persons or class of persons to or amongst whom it is published or is intended or likely to be published.”

CLASSIFIABLE ELEMENTS

Nudity

The player is able to choose various clothing options for male and female BMX riders and can view the results in the options menu. One option is for the female rider to be nude. The nude rider can be viewed in the options menu or the player can use this character to play the game. In the Board’s majority view the depictions of a nude female BMX rider constitutes nudity; and as there is no ’bona fide’ educational, medical or community health purpose for this nudity the computer game warrants RC.

In the Board’s minority view, as the depictions of the nude female BMX rider do not contain any genital detail they can be accommodated in the MA15+ classification with appropriate consumer advice. Further, the depictions are animated and constitute a very small element of the game.

After completing specific tasks the player is able to enter a Nightclub and view full motion video sequences of a female in various states of undress, featuring partial breast and buttock nudity with little to no nipple detail. There is one brief sequence on each of the eight levels of the game. In the Board’s majority view, as the dancing female is wearing underwear and covers much of her breasts while moving, these sequences do not constitute nudity. In the Board’s minority view these full motion video sequences constitute nudity and as there is no ’bona fide’ educational, medical or community health purpose for this nudity the computer game warrants RC.

Sexual References

In the Board’s majority view the option to view full motion video sequences of a female in various states of undress, featuring partial breast and buttock nudity with little to no nipple detail, constitutes strong sexual references and can be accommodated at the MA classification with appropriate consumer advice.

In the Board’s minority view these sequences are very strong sexual references that exceed the requirements of the MA15+ guidelines and warrant RC.

Coarse Language

The language used by characters in the game and in the soundtrack to the game includes derivatives of "fuck" as well as infrequent use of phrases such as "I’m surrounded by fucking idiots", "cum on my face" and "I think I’ll cut my husband’s dick off". In the Board’s majority opinion, the game includes use of “frequent crude language, but not if excessive, unduly assaultative or sexually explicit” which can be accommodated at the MA15+ classification.

In the Board’s minority opinion, the overall language in the game exceeds what is permissible under the MA15+ guidelines and warrants RC. In particular the line used by the Pimp character when run into by a female rider was noted: “I’m going to cut you bitch”, as when the rider is nude this assaultative language gains strength in impact.

Other matters

In the Board’s minority opinion there is a conceptual strength in this interactive game, requiring an adult perspective. A strong example being the scenario where on bribing a bouncer the player gains entry to a strip club (seemingly a reward for completing missions). The cut to live footage heightens the impact of this game play. Similarly, the facility to choose as a rider a nude female delivers a high impact. This impact is heightened by the violence of the game: the potential for hitting pedestrians, and the throwing of the rider from the bicycle.

In the Board’s majority opinion, these conceptual elements could be accommodated at the MA15+ classification.

CONCLUSION

In the majority of the Board’s view this computer game warrants an RC classification, in accordance with section 1 (d) of the Computer Games Table of the National Classification Code, as it is “unsuitable for a minor to see or play”.

***

The Sydney Morning Herald covered the ban on October 29th 2002 in an article titled "Sleazy riders stop XXX-rated BMX bandits"

Des Clarke is quoted as saying the game was sleazy rather than violent. He goes on to add:

"Government has a classification system that everyone supports, and the industry has to look at those classifications, the code, and the guidelines when they make those products,"

"There are very large retail chains in America refusing to sell it, so it's not just Australia," "The game is very offensive in many ways - game developers need to think in terms of worldwide audiences."

Greg Arthurton from Acclaim Australia is also quoted as saying:

"That's what the OFLC has classified the game as, so we accept that," 
 "We have gone down the path of mapping an appeal . . . but we believe it may not be successful."

Despite also being quoted as saying that, 

".....it may not make economic sense to rewrite BMX XXX for an Australian audience."

....the 2002-2003 OFLC Annual Report shows that is not what happened.

"The distributor of BMX XXX then submitted a revised version of the game which did not contain nudity. The Board classified this modified version MA15+ with the consumer advice, ‘Sexual references, medium level coarse language, adult themes’."

The revised version was passed on November 7th 2002.

***

Acclaim Australia: BMX XXX Interview Gamepower 08.11.04

***

The OFLC Annual Report 2002-2003 states that

"......13 complaints were received about the Board’s decision to classify BMX XXX  refused classification."

The full version was available in New Zealand where it was marketed with a "BANNED IN AUSTRALIA" sticker on the box.

Bully

aka Canis Canem Edit

Prod Rockstar Games / 2006 / UK

This title has been included as AN EXAMPLE OF OFLC POLICY. it has not been censored OR BANNED.

Controversy had been growing about this title ever since it was announced by  Rockstar Games. It was thought that following the February banning of GETTING UP: CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE, that there would be similar problems for BULLY. As it turned out it the Classification Board didn't even award it an MA15+, only an M (‘Moderate Themes, Violence, Sexual References’). Sensing that this may have been seen as a controversial decision by those who had only read the press reports, the Board issued the following media release explaining their reasons.

Australian Government
Classification Board
28 August 2006 
MEDIA RELEASE 

Bully computer game classified M 

The Classification Board has classified the computer game Bully M with the consumer advice, ‘Moderate themes, violence, sexual references’

Bully, has gained notoriety during its development as interest groups and the media speculated on its content. 

M is an advisory classification. Computer games classified M are not recommended for persons under 15 years of age. There are no legal restrictions for the M classification. 

Bully is a third person action/adventure story-based game. It follows Jimmy Hopkins, a teenager who is sent to ‘Bullworth Academy’, where he navigates his way through the high school social hierarchy. His aims include completing the school year, protecting weaker students from ‘bullies’ and exposing corrupt teachers. 

The Classification Board found that the themes, violence and sexual references are moderate in playing and viewing impact in the context of a comedic game about the trials of life in a troubled educational institution. According to the player’s behaviour during gameplay, Jimmy either accumulates punishment points until he is apprehended by authority figures, or increases in the school’s social standing. Punishments include lawn mowing, snow shovelling, receiving demerit points and attending extra classes. 

During the game the player is not encouraged to attack innocent bystanders or undertake acts of “bullying”, and is not rewarded for doing so. The “missions” the player undertakes are generally about thwarting acts of bullying, exploitation or discrimination. 

Violence towards innocent bystanders such as school girls and smaller school children causes authority figures such as prefects, teachers and police officers to chase and apprehend the player-controlled character, Jimmy. 

The Classification Board is an independent statutory body responsible for the classification of films, computer games and some publications. The Board has representatives drawn from communities across Australia. 

***

On September 1st 2006, Rockstar announced that the game would be re-named to CANIS CANEM EDIT outside of the U.S. and Canada. It was under this title that the Classification Board re-rated it on September 11th 2006. It was again passed with an M (Moderate themes, Violence and Sexual References) rating.

***

Sydney's Daily Telegraph soon jumped on the bandwagon.

Bullying is no game. Daily Telegraph 20.09.06

University of Western Sydney anti-bullying expert Dr Jean Healey said yesterday the game would not help lessen a huge social problem.

"We are trying to get this age group who play computer games to understand bullying is criminal behaviour and cannot be tolerated. The message we want to get out there is that we need to protect people . . . what we don't need is to encourage bullies," she said.

Educators have been running programs aimed at providing intervention and support for bullying victims.

Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt bought into the issue yesterday, saying "violence is never the answer to bullying".

***

Violent video game raises concerns. NineMSN 20.09.06

NSW Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt will ask the federal government to review the "M" classification given to a video game called Bully. "I'll be writing to the federal attorney-general just to see whether there's further action that can be taken," Ms Tebbutt told reporters.

"I also want him to assure me that everything that needs to be taken into account has been taken into account in this classification process."

Ms Tebbutt urged parents to prevent their children from being exposed to the game.

"I'm concerned that its message for violence is undermining what we're doing in schools to counteract bullying," she said.

***

Classification Board
Annual Report 2006-2007

Computer games: complaints 
The OFLC received 57 complaints about computer games. Of the total, 32 complaints were about the absence of an R18+ classification for computer games. One complaint was received that the computer game Canis Canem Edit (also known as Bully) (M) should be classified RC.

***

On January 15th 2008, BULLY: SCHOLARSHIP EDITION was rated M (Moderate themes, violence and sexual references) by the Classification Board. This update of the original game was released on March 7th, and includes new missions, characters, and classes. Despite the original game having a title change to CANIS CANEM EDIT in Australia, this update went out under the BULLY title.

***

As with the original game, the SCHOLARSHIP EDITION was also subjected to complaints from the usual suspects.

Parents angry at violent school bully game. The Age 17.04.08

Parenting Australia chief executive Jane King described the game as "disturbing" and said it should never have been released.

"It's scary, it's outrageous, it's gross," she said.

"I do think the classification system needs to be reviewed. I would be very concerned if my 13-year-old son played a game like that.

"I think the message of solving violence with violence is extremely disturbing."

Ms King encouraged parents not to buy the game.

Young Media Australia president Jane Roberts said the game was a more inappropriate "mark II" of the original Bully game released two years ago.

"I'm not sure about what the developers of this game don't get," she said.

"We have had major efforts right across Australia in schools trying to get the message across that violence doesn't solve anything.

"For people who have been the victim of bullying, there is nothing entertaining about it."

Australian Education Union president Angelo Gavrielatos said teachers worldwide were vehemently opposed to the game and the union had joined a coalition of eight teacher organisations from countries such as South Korea, the United States and Britain denouncing its release.

"What we are concerned about is the continuing production and development of such games that glorify violence and bullying," he said.

"There's a point where the corporate world must take some responsibility to regulate these games. In a world where the issues of bullying and violence are a concern, the production of these games is not acceptable."

A spokeswoman for the Australian Classification Board said the game was approved because the themes were "moderate in playing and viewing and were justified by context".

"During the game the player is not encouraged to attack innocent bystanders or undertake acts of bullying and is not rewarded for doing so," the spokeswoman said.

"The missions players undertake are generally about thwarting acts of bullying, exploitation or discrimination. If the player does bully another player out of context a punishment type bar increases and when full it causes the character to be apprehended by authority figures."

***

Classification Board Annual Report 2007-08
Bully 
Computer games - Rated M

Computer games classified M are not recommended for persons under 15 years of age. The impact of classifiable elements should be no higher than moderate and playing is recommended for mature audiences. During the reporting period, 14 per cent of computer games were classified M. The Classification Board classified Bully: Scholarship Edition M with the consumer advice 'Moderate themes, violence and sexual references'. The Board noted that the version included the previously classified game and new interactive two-player educational games. The Board was of the opinion that the additional material does not alter the impact of the original game which received the same classification and consumer advice in August 2006. During the game the player is not encouraged to attack innocent bystanders or undertake acts of bullying. If the player directs a character to bully others out of context, a 'punishment' bar increases, which when full causes the character to be apprehended by authority figures.

Classification Board Annual Report 2007-08 
Complaints 
Computer games

Single complaints were received about other titles. These include that the computer game Bully: Scholarship Edition (M) received a classification due to the themes in the game

The Classification Board also received 553 complaints that were specifically in regard to an R 18+ classification for computer games. 550 complaints were concerned about the absence of an R 18+ classification for computer games in Australia and called for its introduction. Three complaints did not support the introduction of this classification category for computer games.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

aka Bloodhunt

Prod Infinity Ward / 2009 / USA

 This was passed with an MA15+ (Strong Violence) rating on September 14th 2009. To keep the classification secret, Activision-Blizzard submitted the game to the Classification Board under the title BLOODHUNT.

Leaked footage starts controversy

On October 28th 2009 leaked footage claiming to be from the game began to appear on several sites. It included a mission where players could join a group of Russian terrorists and shoot civilians in an airport. 

Fearing that this could damage the title, Activision soon released a statement. 

Gamespot quoted a spokesman from their US offices as saying:

"The leaked footage was taken from a copy of game that was obtained illegally and is not representative of the overall gameplay experience in Modern Warfare 2," 

"Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 features a deep and gripping storyline in which players face off against a terrorist threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse,"

"The game includes a plot involving a mission carried out by a Russian villain who wants to trigger a global war. In order to defeat him, the player infiltrates his inner circle. The scene is designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism."

"At the beginning of the game, players encounter a mandatory 'checkpoint' in which they are warned that an upcoming segment may contain disturbing elements, and they can choose not to engage in the gameplay that involves this scene."

The controversy hits home

In Australia, the usual suspects were soon calling for the MA15+ rating to be reviewed. 

Outrage as terrorist game lets players massacre civilians
smh.com.au, October 29, 2009

Jane Roberts, president of the Australian Council on Children and the Media, called on the Classification Board to review its rating decision.

She said even if the game maintained an MA15+ rating it would still be easily accessible by people under 15.

"The consequences of terrorism are just abhorrent in our community and yet here we are with a product that's meant to be passed off as a leisure time activity, actually promoting what most world leaders speak out publicly against," said Roberts, who is also the principal policy officer in Western Australia's Department of Premier and Cabinet.

"We understand that it's a game but ... we're not far off when you look at the images that you could actually put it on a Channel Nine news report and you'd think maybe that is real.

"If that material was on the internet about how to become a terrorist, how to join a group and how to wipe out people - that would be removed because it would not be acceptable."

South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson, said: "Expecting game designers to be responsible by not glorifying terrorism will always lead to disappointment."

MA15+ (Strong Violence)  Report

Gamespot obtained the full Classification Board report in which they report that:

"The game contains violence that is strong in impact and justified by the context," the report states. "[In a mission], a player goes undercover with the terrorist Makarov and may (but is not required to) assist in the massacre of Russian civilians at an airport. During this mission, several civilians are shot with blood-burst bullet wounds; civilian corpses are strewn across the airport floor, often in stylised pools of blood; injured civilians crawl away with lengthy blood trails behind them; however, corpses disappear at random and no postmortem damage can be inflicted. The impact of this depiction of violence does not exceed strong, and in all other levels, the killing of a civilian will result in immediate mission failure."

Michael Atkinson to call for a Review

In an interview on the ABC radio the South Australian Attorney-General said that he would appeal against the MA15+ rating that the Classification Board had awarded the game.

Does Australia need an R18+ rating for computer games? 
abc.net.au/rn/nationalinterest, November 20, 2009

The decision on this game to give it an MA15+ classification and in that sort of Commonwealth Classification Board I'll be appealing against that classification. I think it's wrong, it doesn't surprise me because the Classification Board in Australia does everything to try to get games in under the radar and film generally, but just because the system's not being applied properly, does not mean that the principals in the system are wrong.

Carmageddon

Prod Interplay / 1997 / UK / IMDb

This title has been included as AN EXAMPLE OF OFLC POLICY. it has not been censored OR BANNED.

This very controversial game was passed by the OFLC with no problems.

Hilad Corporation had it rated MA15+ (High Level Animated Violence) on June 9th 1997.

In their Annual Report from 1996-1997, the OFLC explained the reasons for the decision.

Probably the most notable classification decision in the last twelve months has been the restricted MA15+ classification for the PC racing game Carmageddon. The game received quite a lot of media attention and caused some concern in the community both prior to and after its release on CD-ROM. Before being formally classified, a 'demo' version of the game had been (and apparently still is) available via the Internet to players of any age.

In Carmageddon the player races an animated car around a track, and can gain bonus points by passing checkpoints and by driving over obstacles. Bonus points are also awarded for driving over pedestrians, and it is this aspect of the game that gained people's attention. Media reports concentrated on the presence in the game of 'blind pedestrians'. This was presented erroneously as the targeting of a minority disabled group. In fact, the game contains an effect (which occurs when a particular object is run over by the car) which temporarily renders all pedestrians on screen blinded. The effect lasts for a number of seconds.

The Classification Board was divided in its opinion on the game. However, the majority were of the view that, despite the strong conceptual impact of aspects of the game, the depictions involved were unrealistic and undetailed, and the main focus in game-play was on competition and skill. These and other mitigating factors present in the game, such as an element of black humour, were noted in its decision. The majority the Board was also of the view that the game was not appropriate for younger players and should be legally restricted to a mature audience 15years and over.

Further analysis can be found here.

Carmageddon 2: Carpocalypse Now

Prod Interplay / 1998 / UK

This title has been included as AN EXAMPLE OF OFLC POLICY. it has not been censored OR BANNED.

The sequel to the controversial CARMAGEDDON was also passed with no problems by the OFLC. Ozisoft had it rated MA15+ (High Level Animated Violence) on October 23rd 1998.

The OFLC Annual Report from 1997-1998,  explained the reasons behind the decision.

Carmageddon II - Carpocalypse Now is an animated car racing game. It is a sequel to Carmageddon, which was released in Australia in 1997 with an 'MA15+' classification. As with the original game, the object is to increase your driver ranking and proceed through a number of racing formats and levels. The player, as a driver of one of a number of cars, races around or near to a predetermined race track, passes checkpoints, and aims to beat other competitors or complete the race within a limited time. As the player progresses around the race track bonus points are awarded for gameplay, including hitting competitors' cars or other targets such as 'barrels' (special effect triggers) and 'pedestrians' including people, animals and mutants.

The Board noted that while some people may view with concern the conceptual impact of visual depictions in the game, such depictions are animated, very unrealistic and highly stylised. The Board was of the view that the impact of such elements is mitigated by the intensity of the competitive skill-based gameplay and the need to master the game controls.

The Board recognised that the game contains strong concepts supported by gory but unrealistic animated visuals which may be of concern to some people and which are not suitable for younger children. Accordingly, the Board legally restricted the game to a mature audience 15 years and over, with consumer advice of 'High Level Animated Violence'.

Casino Royale

aka Virtual Casino

Prod Gentleman Club

Submitted by the NSW Police, it was rated RC on 21st April 1997.

Crimecraft

Prod Vogster Entertainment / 2009 / USA

This was Refused Classification on November 26th 2009.

Thanks to Joab at gamearena for the report.

Australian Government 
Classification Board

File No: T09/5626

Decision Report 

Classification decisions are made in accordance with the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Act), the National Classification Code and the Classification Guidelines.

Production Details: 

Title: CRIMECRAFT 
Alternate titles: 
Publisher: VOGSTER ENTERTAINMENT
Programmer: VOGSTER ENTERTAINMENT
Production Company: 
Year of Production: 2009
Duration: VARIABLE
Version: ORIGINAL
Format: MULTI PLATFORM
Country/ies of origin: USA
Language/s: ENGLISH
Application type: CG2
Applicant: VOGSTER ENTERTAINMENT, LLC

Dates: 
Date application received by the Classification Board: 23 October 2009 
Date of decision: 26 November 2009

Decision: 
Classification: RC
Consumer advice:

A senior panellist has confirmed that the application considered was valid under the Act and that this Decision Report accurately reflects the Board's decision and any minority opinions.

Synopsis: 
This massively multiplayer online (MMO) game is a third person shooter set in a rundown city in which a player can play in free for all, team death match, capture the flag, capture the points or player versus environment modes. A player can also undertake missions set by non-playable characters, learn a profession, trade goods and form a gang, The aim of the game is to become the most reputable player, achieve the highest character level, form the best gang, possess the best wares and kill the most players. 

Reasons for the Decision: 
In making this decision, the Classification Board has applied the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Classification Act), the National Classification Code (the Code) and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games 2005 (the Guidelines). 

In the Board's view this game warrants an 'RC' classification in accordance with item 1(a) of the computer games table of the National Classification Code: 

"1. Computer games that: 

(a) depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified;" will be Refused Classification, 

The Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games state: 

"Interactivity includes the use of incentives and rewards, technical features and competitive intensity. As a general rule:...material that contains drug use and sexual violence related to incentives or rewards is Refused Classification." 

The game contains the option to manufacture, trade and self-administer legal "medicines" and illegal "boosts", which are made up of various elements and sold "on the streets". Boosts are sometimes referred to as "drugs" both in the game and in the Applicant's submissions to the Board. There are five categories of boosts as follows: 

- Bolsters, which "improve a player's health"; 
- Cicatrizants, which "improve a player's regeneration rates"; 
- E-genes, which "improve a player's ability to resist attacks"; 
- Anabolics, which "improve a player's ability to cause damage"; and 
- Psychostims, which "improve a player's accuracy". 

The Board notes that the category "anabolics" is named after a class of proscribed drugs and that the Applicant described boosts as "like real-life steroids". In addition, the names of boosts mimic the chemical and colloquial names of proscribed drugs. Examples include "K-dust", "Birth", "Chimera", "Majoun", "Betadyne ResistX" and "Zymek Stim-Ex" as well as the anabolics "Raze" and "Frenzy". Boosts are depicted by a range of icons including pills, medicine bottles, syringes, rubber tubes, medicinal equipment, weights, DNA-strands and plants, 

A player can choose to pursue the profession of chemist as either a "Bio-Forger", who crafts customisable illegal boosts, or a "Med-Seeker", who crafts legal medicines. A detailed list of available ingredients for creating boosts includes many real-world items such as base chemicals, nucleotides, hormones and enzymes as well as tools and objects associated with the production or use of drugs including syringes, disposable rubber tubes and silkscreen filters. Available fictional ingredients are given abstruse names such as "alemomycin", "obelprofen", "adenaze", "ODP", "lithione" and "schenoids". These names parallel existing chemical compounds and this, along with the detailed crafting prodecure, strengthens the correlation between boosts and rea'l-world proscribed drugs. 

All boosts are administered in the same manner. The character quickly injects him or herself in the leg with an auto-injector device in a depiction reminiscent of the administration of an adrenaline shot. The text "drug effect" appears onscreen and there is a positive effect in one set of player statistics coupled with a negative effect in another set of statistics. For example, a boost may increase accuracy but decrease regeneration rates. The Applicant has stated: "The negative effect is sometimes substantial, but this effect is balanced against the increased strength of the boost's positive effects." Boosts are intended to be used to gain short-term rewards or benefits in various scenarios within the game where the negative effects are mitigated by the positive effects.

Furthermore, a skill which a player may acquire is known as "Addicted" and is represented by an icon depicting a bloodshot eye. The skill is described by in-game text as follows: "After a long period of usage, you have learned the fastest way to start feeling the effects of medicines and boosts while not endangering your health. This ability leads to a global reduction in the cooldown timer of all medicines and boosts." 

The Applicant has stated: "In CrimeCraft there are drug enhancements called "Boosts". They are fictional drugs that improve a players stats [sic] while in battle for a small period of time." In the Board's opinion, there is insufficient delineation between the "fictional drugs" available in the game and real-world proscribed drugs. Boosts parallel the names, chemical elements, administration, treatment and addictive effects of real-world proscribed drugs and, when used, provide quantifiable benefits to a player's character. This game therefore contains drug use related to incentives or rewards and should be Refused Classification. 

Decision: 
This game is Refused Classification.

Dead Space

Prod Electronic Arts / 2008 / USA / IMDb

This title has been included as AN EXAMPLE OF OFLC POLICY. it has not been censored OR BANNED.

Electronic Arts had this title rated MA15+ (Strong Violence) on April 21st 2008. A revised version was again passed with an MA15+ (Strong Violence) on August 29th 2008. 

This second rating resulted in a great deal of forum debate as to why the game had been resubmitted. Here is what dchan01 had to say at the au.gamespot.com forum.

http://au.gamespot.com/xbox360
dchan01
Sep 17, 2008 11:30 pm PT

I guarantee you guys that nothing has been censored for any territory. We are not going to compromise for any territory that we're not getting a rating in either, just to please rating boards. That's not how we're going to play this one.

We submitted twice to the OFLC because we did an early submission months ago before alpha. We did a courtesy submission when we were nearing final as a courtesy, and to show that the game had not changed materially since the first submission (except for built out levels, polish, etc.)

Rest assured that the version of Dead Space that is played in Australia will be the same version that's played in the US, the UK, wherever.

***

Although in this case it seems that the distributor was telling the truth, it does pay to be sceptical, and question what you are told. Sean did just that and has sent in copies of the Classification Board reports for both submissions. The differences between the first and second report have been highlighted in bold. The second rating submission mentions moderate and mild coarse language that was not present in the first.

Board Report
Classification Board

DETAILS OF THE COMPUTER GAME:
FILE No T08/1394 
Title: DEAD SPACE 
Version: ORIGINAL 
Format: Multi Platform 
Duration: VARIABLE 
Publisher: ELECTRONIC ARTS 
Programmer: 
Production Co: ELECTRONIC ARTS 
Country of Origin USA 
Language: ENGLISH 
Application Type: Comp Game Assessed Level 2 
Applicant: ELECTRONIC ARTS 

PROCEDURE: 
The Classification (Publication, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the National Classification Code and the Classification Guidelines are followed when classifying films, computer games and publications 

Written submissions: YES 
Oral submissions: NO 

MATERIAL Considered: 
In classifying this item regard was had to the following
(i) The Application YES 
(ii) A written synopsis of the Item YES 
(iii) The Item YES 
(iv) Other NO 

DECISION 
(1) Classification: MA 15+ 
(2) Consumer Advice: Strong horror violence 
(3) Key:

SYNOPSIS: 
The item is a computer game. It is a third-person action-adventure game in which the player takes the role of Isaac Clark, an engineer sent to repair a space-ship. On the ship he finds a deadly life-form against which be must battle. 

REASONS FOR THE DECISION: 
In making this decision, the Classification Board bas applied the Classification (Publications. Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Classification Act), including the matters set out in sections 9A and I1 of the Classification Act, the National Classification Code {the Code} and the Guidelines fur the Classification of Films and Computer Games 2005 (the Guidelines).

In the Boards view this computer game warrants an MA15+ classification as, in accordance with Item 2 of the Computer Games Table of the National Classification Code, it is unsuitable for viewing or playing by persons under15. 

Pursuant to the Guideline, for the Classification of Films and Computer Games, this computer game is classified MA15+ as the impact of the classifiable elements is strong. Material classified MA15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category. 

The classifiable element is violence that is strong in playing impact.

VIOLENCE 
The game contains violence that is strong in impact and justified by context. Throughout the game, the player must fight against a deadly life-form that has infected the crew of space-ship. The player uses various weapons including a machine gun, flamethrower, and a projectile-based weapon designed to cut off enemy limbs. These attacks result in decapitations and dismemberments involving depictions of blood spray and blood-splatter. Body parts remain in the environment and can be further manipulated.

The player's character also suffers wounds and injuries during combat as the enemies bite, slash, rip and tear. The character can be dismembered or decapitated at which point the game ends. 

The Board notes that, despite the depictions of blood and injury and the sense of suspense and foreboding in the games, the science-fiction setting and the unreality of the alien-enemy mitigate the impact of the game. In the Board's view, the impact is no more than strong. 

DECISION 
This computer game is classified MA15+ with consumer advice for strong horror violence.

The classification decision is based on section 21A of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 which states that if the Board is of the opinion that a classified computer game contains contentious material (whether activated through use of a code or otherwise) that was not brought to the Board's attention in accordance with subsection 14{4) or 17(2) before the classification was made and if the Board had been aware of the material before the classification was made it would have given the game a different classification, the Board must revoke the classification.

Board Report
Classification Board

DETAILS OF THE COMPUTER GAME:
FILE No T08/1394 
Title: DEAD SPACE 
Version: REVISED 
Format: Multi Platform 
Duration: VARIABLE 
Publisher: ELECTRONIC ARTS 
Programmer: 
Production Co: ELECTRONIC ARTS 
Country of Origin USA 
Language: ENGLISH 
Application Type: Comp Game Assessed Level 3 
Applicant: ELECTRONIC ARTS 

PROCEDURE: 
The Classification (Publication, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the National Classification Code and the Classification Guidelines are followed when classifying films, computer games and publications 

Written submissions: NO 
Oral submissions: NO 

MATERIAL Considered: 
In classifying this item regard was had to the following
(i) The Application YES 
(ii) A written synopsis of the Item YES 
(iii) The Item YES 
(iv) Other NO 

DECISION 
(1) Classification: MA 15+ 
(2) Consumer Advice: Strong horror violence 
(3) Key:

SYNOPSIS: 
Dead Space is a third-person action-adventure computer game in which the player takes the role of Isaac Clark, an engineer sent to repair a space-ship. On the ship he finds a deadly life-form which has infected the crew and turned them into zombies. He must battle against them to find and rescue his girlfriend.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION: 
In making this decision, the Classification Board bas applied the Classification (Publications. Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Classification Act), including the matters set out in sections 9A and I1 of the Classification Act, the National Classification Code {the Code} and the Guidelines fur the Classification of Films and Computer Games 2005 (the Guidelines).

In the Boards view this computer game warrants an MA15+ classification as, in accordance with Item 2 of the Computer Games Table of the National Classification Code, it is unsuitable for viewing or playing by persons under15. Pursuant to the Guideline, for the Classification of Films and Computer Games, this computer game is classified MA15+ as the impact of the classifiable elements is strong. Material classified MA15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category. 

The classifiable element is violence that is strong in playing impact.

VIOLENCE 
The game contains violence that is strong in impact and justified by context.

Throughout the game, the player must fight against a deadly life-form that has infected the crew of space-ship. The player uses various weapons including a machine gun, flamethrower, and a projectile-based weapon designed to cut off enemy limbs. These attacks result in decapitations and dismemberments involving depictions of blood spray and blood-splatter. Body parts remain in the environment and can be further manipulated.

The player's character also suffers wounds and injuries during combat as the enemies bite, slash, rip and tear. The character can be dismembered or decapitated at which point the game ends. 

The Board notes that, despite the depictions of blood and injury and the sense of suspense and foreboding in the games, the science-fiction setting and the unreality of the alien-enemy mitigate the impact of the game. In the Board's view, the impact is no more than strong. 

OTHER MATTERS CONSIDERED 
The Board notes that the game contains infrequent moderate coarse language in the form of "fuck" and mild coarse language including "shit" and "bitch" which could be accommodated at lower classification levels. The Board also notes that this game was submitted in April 2008 and classified MA15+ with consumer advice for strong horror violence. The applicant has now resubmitted the game in its final form and this most recent copy is the version to which this decision relates.

DECISION 
In the view of the Board the impact of the game is strong. The game is therefore classified MA15+ with consumer advice for strong horror violence.

The classification decision is based on section 21A of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 which states that if the Board is of the opinion that a classified computer game contains contentious material (whether activated through use of a code or otherwise) that was not brought to the Board's attention in accordance with subsection 14{4) or 17(2) before the classification was made and if the Board had been aware of the material before the classification was made it would have given the game a different classification, the Board must revoke the classification.

Digital Dancing: The Erotic Challenge

Prod New Machine Publishing / 1993 / USA

Submitted by the Victorian Police, it was rated RC on May 1st 1997.

It is described as:

"Four beautiful, sexy dancers in an experience you'll never forget! DIGITAL DANCING: the erotic challenge pits human against machine. If you win the dancer takes off everything...Feeling lucky? Real live video with big, GIG QuickTime movies"

Dracula Unleashed

Prod Viacom International / 1993 / USA / IMDb

This title has been included as AN EXAMPLE OF OFLC POLICY. it has not been censored OR BANNED.

This was passed by the OFLC with no problems. Sega Ozisoft had it rated MA15+ (Realistic Horror) on 28th April 1994.

The OFLC explain their reasoning in this extract from the 1993-1994 Annual Report.

Another game, Dracula Unleashed, is a more sophisticated problem solving CD-Rom game. It was classified 'MA(15+)', a classification that is restricted to 15 year olds and over, with a consumer advice of 'realistic horror'. It contains video footage showing body puncture marks in the victim's neck, an off screen implied stake into a vampire's body and a 'mannequinesque' severed head. In the context of a 'vampire' game the depictions were considered mild and unrealistic. However, within the guidelines, and in recognition of community concern, the Board believed the visual strength and impact of this full motion video were best suited to the legal restriction of the 'MA'. Further, the Board believed the full motion video depiction in this game changed the intensity from the low impact associated with the animated violence to a higher one, flagged by the consumer advice of 'realistic horror'.

Dragon Ball: Origins

Prod Namco Bandi / 2008 / Japan

This was originally passed with a PG (Mild violence) rating in September 2008. However, in January 2009 Atari Australia was forced to recall all copies of the game due to it being incorrectly rated.

In the U.S. the game was passed as Teen (Cartoon Violence, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. Their report describes the gameplay that caused the problem in Australia.

One scene involves a girl flashing an older man, then some arguing about her panties. Some brief, non-explicit nudity is shown during a cutscene involving a bath.

The original PG-rating was presumably awarded due to the Authorised Assessor Computer Games (AACG) scheme. This is where a person is authorised to make a classification recommendation for games that will most probably be rated G, PG, or M. The assessor's report is then taken into account when the Classification Board make their decision. 

Following the recall the game was re-rated on March 2nd as M (Sexual references). 

On September 1st 2009 the Classification Board revoked the rating. It is unclear why this was done, though at the time Atari's website was still advertising it as being PG-rated.

Atari Australia had the rating revoked for GOTHIC 2 on the same day as DRAGON BALL: ORIGINS. The only other game that this has happened to was GRAND THEFT AUTO: SAN ANDREAS which lost its MA15+-rating following  the discovery of the 'Hot Coffee' mod.

DRAGON BALL: ORIGINS and GOTHIC 2 were listed in the category as 'RECSec21'. This is presumably Section 21 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 that states:

21 Declassification of classified films or computer games that are modified 

(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a classified film or a classified computer game is modified, it becomes unclassified when the modification is made. 

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a modification that consists of: 

(a) including or removing an advertisement, other than an advertisement to which section 22 applies; or 

(b) for an imported film or computer game that was in a form that cannot be modified and has subsequently been converted to a form that can be modified—removing, from the film or game, material that was advertising referred to in paragraph (f) of the definition of advertisement in section 5. 

21A Revocation of classification of films or computer games that are found to contain contentious material 

If the Board is of the opinion that: 

Classification Part 2 Classification of publications, films and computer games Division 2 Section 22 Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 21 

(a) a classified interactive film or a classified computer game contains contentious material (whether activated through use of a code or otherwise) that was not brought to the Board’s attention in accordance with subsection 14(4) or 17(2) before the classification was made; and 

(b) if the Board had been aware of the material before the classification was made, it would have given the film or game a different classification; the Board must revoke the classification, 

and must also revoke approval of any approved advertisement for the film or game.

Dream Web 

Prod Empire Interactive / 1994 / UK 

Playcorp Pty Ltd had this game Refused Classification on 30th November 1994. The problem scene was later removed and the game was passed with an M15+.

The OFLC explained the reasons for the ban in their 1994-1995 Year in Review.

Dream Web is an overhead perspective adventure/shoot-em-up game. One scene depicts male and female animated characters performing simulated sexual intercourse on a bed. A character controlled by the player enters the room and implicitly shoots the male with resulting animated blood splash from the male's head. The Board believed this combination of elements produced a scene of sexualized violence which warranted Refusal under the Computer Games Guidelines.

More information on DREAM WEB'S Australian Censorship History can be found at Anthony Larme's Banned Games Page and Games Censorship Collection site.

Continue...

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