Illicit deeds have just gotten a new Halloween video game banned in Australia – and it’s not because of the violence
Summary
Australia’s Classification Board has banned the video game Halloween: The Game because it allows players to use marijuana for a gameplay benefit. The board’s rules refuse classification to games that reward players for using illegal drugs, even if the game includes violent content.Key Facts
- Halloween: The Game is based on the horror character Michael Myers and includes violent actions.
- The game is banned in Australia due to characters smoking marijuana to gain an advantage, not because of violence.
- Australia’s 2023 guidelines refuse classification to games that link illegal drug use with rewards or advantages.
- The ban led to over 500 complaints to the Classification Board from Australian players.
- Other games like Saints Row IV were also initially banned for similar reasons but later released after removing drug-related content.
- Experts say Australia’s game classification system assumes games affect players more than films do and that they mainly need protection for children.
- Australia introduced an R18+ rating for games in 2013, but games are still treated differently from other media with stricter rules.
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