WA Liberal State Conference Rejects R18+

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

R18+ Games Australia understands that a motion was moved to adopt party support for an R18+ classification at the recent WA Liberal State Conference.

The Western Australian Union of Liberal Students, the peak body of all University Liberal Clubs in WA, moved a motion to support the creation of R18+ classification for games at the annual conference. The conference was attended by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, state and federal MP’s and Ministers, as well as industry leaders. Although the motion was defeated 74 votes to 67, we understand the debate was well received within party ranks and that the issue is gaining attention.

To this date, neither major party supports this much-needed change to the ratings system. And with an election campaign well under way, it is doubtful that this issue will even come back on the agenda for the next few months.

SCAG Meeting Postponed

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General, who meet up to determine changes to Australia’s classification system, last met earlier this year to discuss the public consultation and after much deliberation, were seeking to hear both sides of the argument so that they could make a final decision.

That decision was going to be made at the meeting that was to be held at the end of this month. Unfortunately due to the upcoming Federal Election, this meeting has now been postponed until November 4-5.

Source: Games.On.Net

Dead Rising 2 escapes censor’s hands

Monday, July 5th, 2010

According to Games.On.Net, Capcom’s game, Dead Rising 2, is an upcoming, violent zombie shooter which has questionable content. It has been rated MA15+ by the Classification Board. Not many people expected DR2 to get past the Board as the game “encourages players to combine household items into ridiculous killing machines (like double ended paddle saws).”

Ironically, this is the same type of content that saw Left 4 Dead 2 get banned in Australia. Were an R18+ rating for games had been introduced years ago, the censors would make sure that the game was restricted to adults. DR2 is rated 18 in the UK and Europe, and will be released in September.