No doubt most of you are aware of the recent banning by the OLFC of Fallout 3 in Australia. The game is said to contain “Material promoting or encouraging prescribed drug use”, referring to the use of Morphine in the game.
South Australia’s Attorney-General Michael Atkinson is the one man ultimately halting the sale of games that are otherwise suitable for adults, by refusing to allow a R18+ rating for video-games. The vote must be unanimous across each state, and Mr. Atkinson is the only man holding up the process.
Fallout 3 is the sequel to one of the greatest games ever developed, yet gamers in Australia won’t be able to experience it. Because of an outdated, old-fashioned and unfair classification system for video-games, the stereotypical mindset that games “are for children” continues to plague the minds of non-gamers, namely Mr. Atkinson.
The average age of Australian gamers is 28 years old, yet the highest rating for video-games is MA15+, forcing all games deemed to be "Adult's Only" by the OLFC to be banned.
While Mr. Atkinson is against an R18+ rating, its inclusion wouldn't necessarily mean more adult games. In 2006, 62% of games classified by the OLFC were rated G or PG.
These statistics highlight many different arguments, but the major one is the lack of an Adult's Only rating for a medium that is used mainly by adults.
Fallout 3 is the latest game to suffer by an outdated and unfair classification system for video-games.
Our friends over at GamePlayer.com.au have set up a petition so that our voices can be heard.
Head on over to Gameplayer.com.au now and sign the petition.
Comic books, television and film have been allowed to evolve from merely entertainment for younger people into artistic mediums for all ages and demographics, however video-games are continually held back by a generation of "non-gamers".
Sign the petition and make your voice heard.
Gameplayer.com.au
Submitted by Gaetano
14/07/2008
21
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