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Fallout 3 banned in Australia

July 04, 2008 in News comments 28

It appears us Australians are going to miss out on yet another game this year because of our lack of a R rating for videogames. The latest casualty is Fallout 3.

But it isn't for the violence or swearing, but because the main character can use morphine as a stimulant, which people under 18 seemingly can't handle. Excuse me, I'm going to go become a drug addict now.

It seems that Fallout 3 has been tagged as Refused Classification by the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification board. This is just a rumor for now and, if true, there is always the possibility of an appeal. Apparently, the game features the use of Morphine as a stimulant and this is allowed only in case of 18+ titles. The problem is that games in Australia can only be classified 15+ and this rating does not allow such features. We will keep you updated on this matter as it develops, but usually, as long as a title has been denied classification, there are very low chances to be accepted due to an appeal.
Bale Fire via gamershell.com »
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Most recently commented on by on Jul 7, 2008

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  • 0
    Gamesta100 Jul 4, 08
    I am SO EFFING sick of this crap.Do any games freaking pass classification here!

    These are the only times I would encourage non Aussies to ridicule us because when it comes to gaming we are still in the DAMN stone age.
  • 0
    Miss Razz Jul 4, 08
    I don't understand how our movie ratings can be so lax, while our game ratings can be so strict.
    If movies like Kill Bill, the Saw series, and Sweeney Todd can all be considered "15+" material, then certainly a game that has morphine in it can be put in the same ratings category? Haze is a 15+ game over here, isn't it? And it's main gameplay feature revolves around a drug.
    • 0
      Gamesta100 Jul 4, 08
      Exactly.I haven't seen the KB or Saw movies but I thought Land of the Dead was one of the most violent movies ever and it still only got a 15+ rating.

      I guess it's ok to take drugs in a game as long as they aren't real.
    • 0
      HisServant77 Jul 4, 08
      Well, I think it's because, like I said in another place, with games you're more interactive than in movies. In games you pretty much "control" the action in question (drug use, violence, etc.) whereas with movies you tend to just . . . sit there and watch. No interaction really in what's taking place. But . . . I think that's why they give movies more leniency than games.
    • 0
      Gutter_Tech Jul 4, 08
      can you guys buy train spotting there? that movie has tons of drug use in it.
  • 0
    Seproth Jul 4, 08
    What's funny is 98% of people(or something really high like that) have an intense negative reaction to morphine...You get really really sick. It takes a long time to get over it. So basically you'd really have to want to get addicted to it.
    • 0
      Gutter_Tech Jul 4, 08
      not exactly true. plus the people who use morphine recreationally prolly used other intoxicants first like alcohol. but eiher way its still messed up that our aussie commrades are going to be left in the cold. maybe someone in the US should set up an export business to Australia. get them all the games they are missing out on.... and even if the person who did it charged more than the game costs, as long as they didnt double the price it would be cheaper for people.
  • 0
    Mnmfan Jul 4, 08
    Why is 15+ the highest rating? Is there a reason for it. Just seems a bit odd.
  • 0
    Taker4ever Jul 4, 08
    Did you guys not get Cold Winter either? The main character in it got his health back by injecting himself with morphine.
    • 0
      Gamesta100 Jul 4, 08
      I do believe we did get that game.
      • 0
        Ameer Jul 4, 08
        Yeah, we got Cold Winter.
      • 0
        Final Blade Jul 5, 08
        I smell Bullshit.

        That sounds hypocritical how they can allow Cold Winter and not fallout 3. Whoever banned this game in Australia should get killed.
        • 0
          iLLmatic Jul 6, 08
          Fallout boy? lol...They should be killed? Is someone using your account? That's off the wall even for you.
        • 0
          Final Blade Jul 6, 08
          What!? Sorry it clearly says Fallout 3. You alright iLL?
  • 0
    BlackLabel Jul 4, 08
    I think it is to do with the fact that the Classification Board of Australia still see gaming as a childs industry.
    • 0
      Gamesta100 Jul 4, 08
      Supposedly it's to protect the children.They think that if we have an 18+ rating children will get their hand on them.
  • 1
    Ameer Jul 4, 08
    Damn you, Nazi OFLC! 
  • 0
    HisServant77 Jul 4, 08
    I know lots are against this, and in a way I can be against it too and everything. But part of me, I guess the part that REALLY likes Australia, commends them for the rules for the reason they're doing it, to try to protect the kids and such. Can Australians import the game if they want it? I know it's more trouble and everything, but I'm just wondering if you can import the games still.
    • 0
      Gamesta100 Jul 4, 08
      Yet a lot of games that are only 15 plus here are 18 plus everywhere else.

      The way I see it, the Manhunt games should have never been given a 15+ rating, yet they were.That allowed people that pretty much shouldn't play it buy the game.So what is worse have games knowingly 18+ or games being 15+ when they should be 18+ and letting children play them?

      I think that the protecting kids reason is just a bullshit excuse.
      • 0
        HisServant77 Jul 4, 08
        Well in the cases that you mentioned, I think they then need to get their act together and rate the games the right way!
  • 0
    Jaw Knee Jul 4, 08
    I swear to God, Australia is like the the little kid of the world.
  • 0
    iLLmatic Jul 5, 08
    Why don't you guys voice your opinions to the right people? All entertainment should be rated on the same level.
    • 0
      Bale Fire Jul 5, 08
      You think people haven't tried? It all comes down to the ESRB director, who has admitted there will be no R rating as long as he's around
    • 0
      Gamesta100 Jul 5, 08
      Lot's of people have tried.Unfortunately our shitty laws state that the Attorney Generals must all agree to an 18+ rating for the bill to be passed.So even if one person doesn't agree to it, we don't get an R18+ rating.
      • 0
        iLLmatic Jul 5, 08
        ....................................................................................
  • -1
    iLLmatic Jul 5, 08
    I didn't say not one person has tried. My question was why don't YOU people make yourself heard. There is power in numbers. Just because the current setup is not satisfactory, doesn't mean you give up and accept it. Make a stand.
  • 0
    PangTong_Blademaster Jul 6, 08
    Get a PS3 theyr not region locked.
    • 1
      Gamesta100 Jul 6, 08
      That's not the point.Us Aussies over 18 should be able to play whatever the hell we want without HAVING to import a copy.

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