The Energon Pub

News Credits: 226 · by **Burn** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 4:08 pm

I've made it no secret about the stupidity of the Australian Government's computer game classification system which saw many games either banned or severely changed before being released here.

But finally, we've joined the rest of the world!

Australia gets R18+ Games Classification

AN adults-only computer game rating category will at last become a reality with legislation passing Federal Parliament.

The new law fulfils the Commonwealth's part of a deal with states and territories to include an R18+ rating in the games classification system.

"These are important reforms over 10 years in the making," Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said.

"The R18+ category will inform consumers, parents and retailers about which games are not suitable for minors to play and will prevent minors from purchasing unsuitable material.

"The reforms also mean that adults are able to choose what games they play within the bounds of the law."

Previously, the highest rating for computer games has been MA15+ meaning overseas adult-only games are usually banned here or given a lower classification allowing children to obtain them.

The new laws bring computer games in line with the classification system for films and other material and make Australia more consistent with international standards.

They have received overwhelming support during years of consultation - one discussion paper received more than 58,000 submissions with most in favour.

Shadow attorney-general George Brandis said it made sense that Australia's classification regime would now be uniform "classifying all media according to a single set of criteria".

"The passage of this bill will no doubt be welcomed by adult gamers all across Australia," Senator Brandis told the Senate.

"The industry has been waiting for this change for some time."

The Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (R18+ Computer Games) Bill 2012 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

The change has the backing of state and territory attorneys-general who agreed to the classification overhaul in mid-2011.

They'll pass their own complementary legislation to ensure that R18+ computer games are appropriately regulated.

The national classification scheme is scheduled to commence on January 1, 2013.

Still have to wait six months though, but hey, they finally did something right.

News Credits: 2 · by **Shadowman** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:07 pm

Congratulations, Australia is now well on it's way to becoming a real country.

News Credits: 7 · by **TulioDude** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:07 pm

I though they should have done this years ago.

News Credits: 226 · by **Burn** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:25 pm

TulioDude wrote:I though they should have done this years ago.

Years ago we had an extremely conservative government who were either terrified or didn't understand emerging technology.

Now we have a conservative government who are just confused by emerging technology but try desperately to work out how they can control and restrict it.

News Credits: 7 · by **TulioDude** » Sun Jun 24, 2012 12:40 am

I LOLed when i saw that Mortal Kombat wasn'allowed but Wii Dare was. :lol:

News Credits: 1 · by **starscream2222** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:10 pm

So what classifies as R18+ ? Things such as GOW or Assassins Creed?

Like GEEWUN on Facebook · by **GEEWUN** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:10 pm

Glad to hear it. Hopefully this will end all the stories I keep hearing about Australia banning certain games.

News Credits: 226 · by **Burn** » Tue Jan 01, 2013 12:51 am

Well, the new year brings new laws as Australia introduces an R18+ Games Classification!

HA! I kid. Queensland is holding out passing legislation until at least February.

Why the hell it becomes a State issue is beyond me. There are certain things that should be taken out of State hands and either taken over by Federal or Local Government.

So yay for me, I live in a State where I still can't own R18+ games OR a Masterpiece Megatron without a gun license!