Australia's Classification System

Australia, apparently unlike most other similar countries, does NOT have an R18+ classification for computer games. The highest rating is MA15+. This is different to films and movies which DO have an R18+ rating. So, if a game is very violent, like Left 4 Dead 2, and doesn't meet the MA15+ requirements, it will be refused classification and not permitted for sale in Australia.

The makers of Left 4 Dead 2 then modified the game to remove some of the more extreme aspects and gore. So now, it's been classified as an MA15+ game. Some games aren't so lucky, and are never sold in Australia. Many people have called for an R18+ rating so these video games can be rated that way - this providing more choice for the average 30+ year old gamer.

So - for having an R18+ classification:
* more choice for gamers, most of whom are NOT children
* less likelihood of super-violent games being 'slipped-in' at MA15+
* allowing parents and responsible adults to decide what games they and their kids play.

Against having an R18+ classification:
* video games are more interactive, so playing them will turn us all into axe-wielding psychos.
* The Office of Film and Literature Classification already lets stuff in under the MA15+ radar, so imagine the crazy crap they would let in under an R18+ rating (SA Attorney General view).
* and my contribution - what if a bunch of 15-17 year olds want to play Left 4 Dead 2? If the game maker submitted it originally as it was (with all the gore and extreme stuff), it would have been rated R18+, what incentive then would there be for the game maker to change the game? This may reduce the choice available for the MA15+ folks.

So what do you reckon? A gaming lobby, Gamers4Croydon, are trying to set up a political party to run against the SA Attorney General's (Michael Atkinson) seat. They obviously think it's a big enough deal to put in all this effort - that's democracy for you. I hope they run against him - not necessarily because I want Atkinson out, but because I'm interested to see if a single issue like the classification system for computer games would make a dent in Atkinson's seat.