Starbreeze's upcoming shooter reboot of Bullfrog's classic Syndicate has been refused classification in Australia due to the game's violent content.
The Australian classification board's report states that the game contains content “unsuitable for a minor to see or play” and “violence that is high in impact”. The ability to harm civilians is also cited.
“Combatants take locational damage and can be explicitly dismembered, decapitated or bisected by the force of the gunfire," the report reads. "The depictions are accompanied by copious bloodspray and injuries are shown realistically and with detail. Flesh and bone are often exposed while arterial sprays of blood continue to spirt from wounds at regular intervals.”
As Australia's highest available rating is a MA15+, the report's conclusion that the game isn't suitable for minors means that it can't be sold in the country.
Electronic Arts is able to appeal the decision, or resubmit a censored version of the game for Australian audiences.
In August this year, New South Wales Attorney General Greg Smith agreed to support an R18+ rating for Australian games - having abstained from a previous vote - though it's not clear how long this new classification will take to implement.
Source: VG247
Comments
3For a country full of racists and misogynists their attitude to violence frankly laughable.
/sarcasm
Hmm...I've always thought the game industry in Australia was a bit off, but I considered the conservative action a result of a conservative office---not the entire country.
For what it's worth the people I've met from Australia have not demonstrated any negativity towards women. They seem highly independent and have the wicked sense of humor. Just my point of view, but I would imagine there is room enough for misogynists on any plot of land (and sea).
Don't worry Face, providing they haven't censored the internet by then there is always Play Asia.