Left 4 Dead (again)

Once again Australian authorities are at loggerheads regarding classification of a new video game. Put simply, like many games before it, first person shooter ‘Left 4 Dead 2’ is being refused classification by the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification Board due to its violent content. For those not aware, Australia does not have an R18+ rating for video games, so any game which does not fall within the parameters of an MA15+ within the eyes of the OFLC is subsequently not given a rating. This then ensures that the game is completely banned in Australia, as anything without a rating cannot be sold or distributed within the country. As a result, any game with high levels of sexuality, violence or drug use has to be doctored for resale (as in the case of GTA III) or, as in the case of the zombie fest being discussed here,  just does not reach the market at all. As with all pertinent issues, there are two sides to the argument and as with anything concerning the media violence debate, it’s contentious.

According to a number of news sources, South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson is the only authority figure holding out on the introduction of an R18+ rating, which would require unanimous approval of all of Australia’s attorney-generals.  He does, however have much support from various lobby groups such as Young Media Australia and a variety of religious and parent’s groups. In his opinion, interactivity results in believability and a greater chance of the individual displaying second hand aggression. However, Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls disagrees vehemently with Michael Atkinson’s stance and believes that Australia is behind the rest of the world due to this contentious regulation.

the way in which the OFLC decides levels of violent and sexual content is also an issue and consists of board members merely playing the game or employing members of the public to do the same and then asking them questions about how they feel. These methods are quite out-dated and perhaps need to be reviewed, particularly in the case of interactive media. While a number of studies have been conducted into Australia’s video game ratings and our ratings system, it seems the decision on classification rests with a lone Attorney-General. Perhaps he just doesn’t like zombies…