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Radioactive IT Fallout 3 banned, it was the drugs
Radioactive IT Fallout 3 banned, it was the drugs | Fallout 3 banned, it was the drugs |
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| by Mike Bantick | |
| Thursday, 10 July 2008 | |
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Then bang! The OFLC slaps an 'RC' classification on it. For those not in the know, because Australia is lacking any kind of video game classification above the obscure MA 15+, any piece of gaming goodness (or badness for that matter) that doesn't fall into MA 15+ range runs the risk of being unable to be classified by the board – a 'RC' rating, Refused Classification. Without a classification, the software is unable to make it's way to store shelves. Only an issue if trundling into a store is how – and I expect this is still the majority of sales – you pick up your gaming treats. This is the case with the promising Fallout 3. A 'RC' by the OFLC. And 'for what?' I hear you ask. Too much sexual content? That post apocalyptic violence too much for a discerning public? Nope, this time it is the drugs that will corrupt the average gamer, which, by the way, in this country is aged 28. As dug up by Kotaku – from the OFLC report: The game contains the option to take a variety of "chems" using a device which is connected to the character's arm. Upon selection of the device a menu selection screen is displayed. Upon this screen is a list of "chems" that the player can take, by means of selection. These "chems" have positive effects and some negitave effects (lowering of intelligence, or the character may become addicted to the "chem"). The positive effects include increase in strength, stamina, resistance to damage, agility and hit points. Corresponding with the list of various "chems" are small visual representation of the drugs, these include syringes, tablets, pill bottles, a crack-type pipe and blister packs. In the Board's view these realistic visual representations of drugs and their delivery method bring the "science-fiction" drugs in line with "real-world" drugs. Of course we can all point to previous popular titles that used drugs as a central theme, whether it be as a healing mechanism or simply part of a more adult orientated story line. The real problem here again, is the lack of an R18+ rating. Unlike past banning of games in Australia, Fallout 3 is a AAA title that many folk had on their must buy list. Cannot say I missed BMX XXX or even the wronged Mark Ecko Getting Up, but Fallout 3 is another story. The next question will naturally be, will Bethesda, and the games distributor in Australia, Red Ant attempt to make cuts to the game in order to get it passed? RockStar did it with GTA IV . My guess is that they won't, the reason for the ban is based on the level of drug use in the game, This looks to be an integral part of the game mechanic, any alterations will, (unlike those made to GTA IV) undoubtedly change the entire nature of the title. Seems that Red Ant will have go down the costly road of appeal. Need any help guys?
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