R18 – Video Game News, Reviews, Walkthroughs And Guides | GamingBolt

R18+ comes into effect in Australia for videogames

Kartik Mudgal — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 06:54:56 +0000

If you are an Australian, rejoice! Because vidoegames now have an R18+ rating, which means if you are an adult, you will be treated like one, and will be able to buy those games without the government saying they’re bad for you.

The legislation to approve the rating was passed in June, and it came into effect in December, which shows that their political process actually is quite fast.

“We’ve actually achieved a good balance where in effect MA15+ has become more restrictive and games that previously would have been in MA15+ are now going to be sitting in R18+,” South Australia’s Attorney-General, John Rau, said.

“It’s a win for the gamers who wanted to have the opportunity as adults to purchase these games, but it’s also a win for parents because they can be more confident that games that are age-inappropriate will not be available to people under 18.”

However, there’s a catch according to Mr. Rau.

“The regime still contemplates that some games will be so unsatisfactory that they will be refused classification altogether. Now, that will continue.”

So a good way to bypass the laws and refuse classification? Sounds great.

Via abc.net.au

R+18 Bill To Go Before Australian Parliment In February

James Reith — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:57:15 +0000

Last year Australian gamers rejoiced at federal, state, and territory censorship ministers reaching an agreement to introduce an 18+ rating classification to their country. The bill for the rating will be introduced to Parliament this February. Both Parliamentary houses have voiced support for the rating, so hopefully Australia will finally get an uncut version of Left 4 Dead. Though, previous comments made on the matter make it sound like Aussie gamer’s might be waiting quite a while before they benefit from the bill.

Thanks to Joystiq for the info.

Australia Get R18+ Rating

James Reith — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:01:36 +0000

Has Hell frozen over? After years of debate, the green light has finally been given to an 18+ rating for video games is Australia. A unanimous vote was needed from all nine of the State reps in the county’s Standing Committee of Attorneys-General. Previously, all but one had pledged “in principle” support for the move to introduce the new rating. South Wales Attorney-General Greg Smith, the one Attorney-General who was undecided, is now supporting the move. Previously, the highest rating Australia offered for Computer games was 15+ with all games that would require a higher rating being banned outright.

“Once introduced, the new classification will afford adults the opportunity to view material designed for adults,” said Minister for Justice Brendan O’Connor. “The introduction of an R18+ classification for computer games will provide better advice to parents and help prevent children and teenagers from accessing unsuitable material.”

Thanks to CVG for the info.