Ban lifted, Aliens Vs Predator can now invade Australia

Mike Bantick
Friday, 18 December 2009 12:17

Opinion and Analysis

Humans in Australia can now look forward to being attacked by nightmarish Aliens and Predators, as the previously banned Aliens Vs Predator has now been sanctioned for release.  It does beg the question however, is this a game that 15 year olds should be playing?

Originally the sci-fi fantasy horror world of Aliens Vs Predator was deemed just that too horrifying for the eyes and ears of Australians.  Being Refused Classification in Australia means an effective ban from sale.

SEGA Australia was always adamant that an appeal would be lodged , and today it seems that appeal has been successful.

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the success of our appeal. We are particularly proud that the game will be released in its original entirety, with no content altered or removed whatsoever. This is a big win for Australian gamers. We applaud the Classification Review Board on making a decision that clearly considers the context of the game, and is in line with the modern expectations of reasonable Australians", Darren Macbeth, Managing Director, SEGA Australia.

Fans looking forward to the game are obviously pleased, as are SEGA Australia who followed up with the comment “Please stay tuned for details on local Special Edition offers.”

The reality however remains, should this game be available with an MA 15+ rating?   After all, the game contains – in the words of the original Classification Boards decision to ban the game : 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 Alien'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 increases impact; for example, a Predator can stab a character through both eyes with its wrist blade and then rip off their head, the spinal column still attached.  Extensive post mortem damage, including decapitation and dismemberment, is also possilbe.

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

The fact that games are shoehorned into at MA15+ rating in Australia, whilst being rated 18+ overseas, is a pivotal argument of those advocating for an R18+ rating for video games in Australia. 

An R18+ rating for games would bring the entertainment medium in line with classification systems for DVD and Cinema, possibly eliminating much confusion currently faced by parents and guardians.

The release of the long awaited R18+ Classification For Video Games discussion paper from the Attorney’s-General Department has raised the hopes of many in the industry, action on this problem may be imminent.  

But this is a simply a discussion paper, once calling for public submissions.  The advocates for an R18+ classification are continuing their push for understanding with the broader community on this issue.  Hence the rise of websites such as ‘grow up Australia ’ who’s tongue in cheek latest campaign awareness video can be seen below.