Unlike the far more lenient BBFC, the Australian Classification Board has no problem rejecting videogames they deem excessively violent or questionable in content. Usually the games are toned down by their developers and then get the green light, but in the case of the upcoming Alien Vs. Predator, developer Rebellion will not budge.
A big part of the issue with getting mature games classified in Australia is the lack of an 18+ rating for videogames. The system only goes up to MA15+, so if a game isn’t deemed acceptable for 15 year olds, it’s shown the door. Movies, on the other hand, can get an R18+ or an X18+.
Read on to find out why AVP was refused classification, and how Rebellion responded.
According to the Classification Board, AVP was rejected based on its “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, mouth, throat, or eyes.”
Given the option to revamp their game, Rebellion responded:
“…As we understand the law in that country the authorities had no choice as we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults.
The content of AvP is based on some of the most innovative and iconic horror movies, and as such we wanted to create a title that was true to the source material. It is for adults, and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent. We will not be releasing a sanitized or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices.”
