Blitz: The League
Prod Midway / 2006 / USA / Official Site
This was the first game to be banned in 2007. Red Ant Enterprises had it Refused Classification on January 17th because of drug use.
***
Thanks to Mick for this report.
Board Report TO7/66
Classification (Publications. Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 CLASSIFICATION
BOARD
DETAILS OF THE COMPUTER GAME:
FILE No TO7/66
Processing Date: 15/01/2007
Title: BLITZ THE LEAGUE
Version: ORIGINAL
Format: Multi Platform
Duration: VARIABLE
Publisher: J MIDWAY
Programmer: MIDWAY
Production Co: NOT SHOWN
Country Of Origin: NOT SHOWN
Language: ENGLISH
Application Type: Camp Game Demonstrated
Applicant: RED ANT ENTERPRISES pty LTD
PROCEDURE:
The Classification (publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the
National Classification Code and the Classification Guidelines approved by the
standing Committee of Attorneys-General, are followed when classifying
films.
Item Viewed: YES
Viewing Date: 15/01/2007
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: RC
(2) Consumer Advice:
(3) Key: O(drug use)
(4) Ratified By: (Senior Classifier)
SYNOPSIS:
The item is a computer game based on American football in which the player
controls the actions of the members of the team to effect passes and other plays
in order to win games against the opposing team. The game is played in 3rd
person and may be played in two-player or one-player (against the computer)
mode. Cut scenes establish that the team has been going through a bad period and
that the role of the player is to win games and ultimately win the championship.
Between matches, the player may bet on the outcome of games to accrue money that
can be used in the game and the player can also utilise resources, such as
training and performance-enhancing drugs, to improve the performance of the
team.
REASONS FOR THE DECISION:
When making decisions, the Classification Board (the Board) follows the
procedures set out in the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer
Games) Act 1995 (the Act). The Board also applies the National Classification
Code and the Classification Guidelines, while taking into account the matters
set out in Section 1 of the Act.
MAJORITY VIEW
In the Board's majority 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."
Some Board members holding the majority view also consider that this game Warranta an 'RC' classification in accordance with Item 1 (a) of the 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 2005" states that ''as a general rule ... material that contains drug use ... related to incentives or rewards is Refused Classification".
In the course of the game, the player may access what are purported to be both legal and illegal performance-enhancing drugs for the members of the team. Choosing to use these drugs (by selecting from a menu) will have both negative and positive effects on team-members, for example, by improving their speed while making them more susceptible to injury. Each drug has different characteristics. Fake urine samples may also be acquired for avoiding positive drug tests.
While the game-player can choose not to use the drugs, in the Board's majority view there is an incentive to use them. By using them judiciously, the player can improve the performance of the football team (while managing the negative effects) and have a better chance of winning games, thereby winning bets and climbing the league table. In the majority view, therefore, the game contravenes the general rule cited above and should be Refused Classification.
MINORITY VIEW
In the Board's minority view, the impact of the depiction of drug use is
ameliorated to the extent that it is an exception to the general rule cited
above and can be accommodated at MA15+ with a consumer advisory for "strong
drug references". Board members holding this view noted that the drugs
depicted are fictional; drugs are depicted as stylised icons on a menu with the
drug use itself not depicted; and the link between the drug use and the
performance of the team is not depicted through visuals.
DECISION
This game is Refused Classification.
***
Red Ant Enterprises
www.red-ant.com.au
January 2007
Blitz®: The league™, the game which revolutionised pro football videogames, is back and better than ever. Step onto the field with more customisation options than ever before, get ready to play dirty and do what it takes to Win at Any Cost!
Features
Hinder your opponents in various ways, from hiring escorts for an opposing team the night before a game, to keeping his star defensive player hostage in a contract that includes allowances for his expensive and adulterous tastes.
In depth analysis of injuries, complete with X-ray cutscene depicting the spine-shattering, tooth-dislodging, or ligament-shredding in excruciating detail.
Challenge other teams online with Xbox live.
Customise your team with new: players, cities and logos to create your ultimate league team. New offensive and defensive evasion moves.
Three new division All-Star teams.
Featuring bad boy Bill Romanowski as linebacker Bruno Batagglia.
Campaign mode puts you in the role of a team owner.
http://www.blitzleague.com
Genre Sports
Rating TBC Status
Predicted release in February 2007
***
Press Release
September 2006
Playing in The League is your dream but you've paid the price. Your arms ache from weight-room reps and painkillers are blurring your vision. The dirty hits you've laid on QBs are career-enders but they also keep you employed. Two more sacks and you get your bonus, paying for your fast cars and faster lifestyle. Its 4th and 3 and you are up by 7. Stuff the offense, beat your opponents bloody and win at any cost!
Features
REALISTIC INJURIES - Gruesome on-field injuries/animations such as: bones snapping, skulls crushing and modest amounts of blood resulting; Severe and career ending injuries that might involve excessive amounts of blood.
STORY MODE – For the first time in a sports game, Blitz: The League explores the on-field fury, off-field problems, and front office politics permeating professional football. From Peter Egan, writer of ESPN's Playmakers and starring Hall of Fame Legend Lawrence Taylor; Take the helm of a downtrodden football franchise, retool the players and coaching staff, and guide them to the championship players and coaching staff, and guide them to the championship.
GAMEPLAY CLASHES –For the first time in a football game, "get in the zone" real-time! When this mode is triggered, the on-field action slows and the players can pull off amazing and game-changing moves. If enough moves are accomplished in succession a meter is filled unlocking the ultimate Unleash move.
INTENSE ON-THE-FIELD ATMOSPHERE –This game isn't glitzy and glamorous like the ready for primetime, licensed sports video game products. Leave the boring TV booth behind and get down on the field with revolutionary movie-style presentation.
HEAD-TO-HEAD ONLINE PLAY – Players can bash and bleed each other online, complete with headset support on Xbox Live.
***
Blitz banned in Australia. GameSpot AU 21.01.07
The GameSpot AU report also contains this from Ivone Bozzi, the marketing manager at Red Ant Enterprises.
"At this stage we haven't decided if we are going to go ahead and appeal it. Quite a shame, as we did get some fantastic feedback from retail. It was unfortunately one of those games that are touch-and-go,"
***
Australian Government
Classification Board
22 January 2007
MEDIA RELEASE
Blitz the League computer game Refused Classification
The Classification Board has classified the computer game Blitz the League Refused Classification (RC).
Refused Classification (RC) means the computer game cannot be made available for sale or hire, or be demonstrated in Australia.
“The Classification Board made this decision on the basis that Blitz the League contains drug use related to incentives or rewards,” said Director the Classification Board, Des Clark. “Under the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games, this is a general rule that means this type of content is Refused Classification.”
Specifically, in the course of the game, the player may access what are purported to be both legal and illegal performance-enhancing drugs for the members of their team. Choosing to use these drugs, which each have different characteristics, will have effects on team-members, such as improving their speed while also making them more susceptible to injury. Fake urine samples may also be acquired for avoiding positive drug tests.
While the game-player can choose not to use the drugs, in the Board’s view there is an incentive to use them. By using them judiciously, the player can improve the performance of their football team (while managing the negative effects) and have a better chance of winning games, thereby winning bets and climbing the league table.
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.
***
Red Ant Comments on Blitz: The League Ban IGN AU 28.01.07
Red Ant's Managing Director, Julian White, commented, "This is very disappointing for gamers once again due to the antiquated guidelines the OFLC are forced to operate under. The Howard Government needs to amend these guidelines and understand that the majority of gamers are over 18."
White went on to explain that not having a higher rating system, in line with most of the western world, Australian gamers are, in fact, being discriminated against.
"By not addressing this issue, gamers are being discriminated against by a few minorities that are just plain ignorant."
***
The following is a letter that Mick received from Des Clark regarding the RC rating awarded to BLITZ: THE LEAGUE.
Quoted from:
www.blognow.com.au/iCE654
I refer to your enquiry of 22 January 2007 regarding the classification of the computer game Blitz The League.
On 18 January 2007 the Classification Board (the Board) classified the computer game Blitz The League RC (Refused Classification).
An explanation of the reasons for this RC decision and its implications for distributors and retailers is outlined in the media release issued by the Board on 22 January 2006. You may wish to refer to this release on the 2007 Media Releases page of the OFLC website.
I note that you have lodged similar complaints about other computer games in the past. As you would be aware from previous correspondence with this office, the Board is required to make classification decisions using the relevant provisions of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (the Act), the National Classification Code (the Code) and the classification guidelines.
You would also be aware that as the national classification scheme is a cooperative scheme between the Commonwealth, States and Territories, any amendments to the Code or the guidelines would require the agreement of all Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers with censorship responsibilities.
I note that you disagree with the Board’s decision for Blitz The League. In particular you have drawn a comparison between the content of this game and other classified computer games which you consider have similar content.
I can advise that each computer game is assessed individually and on its own merits against the Act, the Code and the classification guidelines. The contents of previously classified computer games are not considered during the classification process.
In the Board’s majority view, while the game-player can choose not to use the drugs, there is an incentive to use them. The classification guidelines state that "as a general rule ... material that contains drug use ... related to incentives or rewards is Refused Classification".
The Board is an independent statutory body whose members are selected to be broadly representative of the Australian community. In the case of Blitz The League, 12 members of the Board considered the computer game before classifying it RC in a majority 10 to 2 decision.
The Board is unable to initiate a review for a computer game that it has classified. The Board can reclassify a computer game at its own initiative after two years from the original decision. The two year period for this film will not elapse until January 2009.
You may be interested to know that the Act provides for review of classification decisions in certain circumstances. The separately established Classification Review Board (Review Board), is the body that reviews classification decisions; however it can only proceed with a review on receipt of a valid application for review.
Applicants for review may include the original applicant for classification, the publisher, a person aggrieved, and the Australian Attorney-General. For all applicants other than the Australian Attorney-General an application must be lodged with the Review Board within 30 days of the original decision. Under the Act, the Attorney-General is required to apply for a review of a classification decision, if he is so requested in writing by a State or Territory Minister who is responsible for censorship.
I have provided a copy of your correspondence to the Board for their information. The Board appreciates feedback from the community on classification decisions and how it is performing its role. Correspondence such as yours is one way in which the Board informs itself of community standards in relation to classification issues broadly.
Owing to the widely differing views held in our community it is not always possible to make decisions which satisfy everyone. I assure you that the Board takes its responsibilities seriously and reflects current community standards when making decisions.
I hope this information assists you.
Yours sincerely
Des Clark
Director
8 February 2007
***
The New Zealand OFLC rated the game R16 (Contains drug use, violence and sexual references) on March 12th 2007. Here is what they had to say about the decision in their Game Classification Update #21 March 2007.
The game Blitz the League was classified R16 in New Zealand. Earlier, it had been refused classification (banned) in Australia. The Australian Classification Board made this decision on the basis that Blitz the League contains drug use related to incentives or rewards and under the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games, there is a general rule that means this of content is Refused Classification.
The New Zealand Office of Film and Literature Classification considered that the game:
… does not promote or encourage criminal acts. While the in-game feature of taking legal and illegal sports enhancing drugs to improve a player’s team’s performance is a component of the game it is not a particularly significant one.
***
Classification Board
Annual Report 2006-2007
Computer Games
The Classification Board classified two computer games RC during the reporting
period. The computer game Blitz the League was classified RC by the
Classification Board because it contains drug use related to incentives or
rewards.
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.
The OFLC received six complaints about the RC decision for the computer game Reservoir
Dogs and four about the RC decision for Blitz the League.
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XBox 360 Cover |
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Juicing up |
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