The Australian Classification Board has issued a Refused Classification rating for the upcoming fighting game, Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, effectively banning its release in Australia. This decision was made on December 1, and surprisingly, no specific reason was provided by the board. Dive deeper into this unexpected news and explore the potential future of the game in the Australian market.
Hunter x Hunter Not Releasing in Australia
Rated with Refused Classification
Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, eagerly anticipated by fans, will not see the light of day in Australia due to the Australian Classification Board's decision to assign it a Refused Classification rating. This rating prohibits the game from being "sold, hired, advertised, or legally imported in Australia." The board's criteria for such a rating include content that "exceeds what can be included in the R 18+ and X 18+ ratings" and falls outside of "generally-accepted community standards."
The decision is particularly surprising given that the game's official trailer does not feature any sexually explicit scenes, graphic violence, or drug use, elements typically associated with such a rating. Instead, it showcases typical fighting game action. This raises questions about whether there might be undisclosed content within the game or if there are clerical errors that could be rectified in future submissions.
The Australian Classification Board is Open to Second Chances
Australia has a history of banning games, with the first instance being Pocket Gal 2 in 1996 due to its sexual content. Even well-known titles like The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings faced initial bans for similar reasons but were later reclassified to MA 15+ after modifications. The Australian Classification Board has shown willingness to reconsider its decisions if games are edited or censored to meet their standards.
For instance, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut was initially refused classification due to its depiction of drug use but was later deemed acceptable after highlighting the negative consequences of such actions. Similarly, Outlast 2 managed to secure an R18+ rating after removing a scene involving sexual violence.
This precedent suggests that Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact still has a chance to be released in Australia. If the developers or publishers can justify the game's content or make necessary adjustments to align with the board's standards, a reevaluation could lead to a different outcome. This leaves hope for fans and the game's future in the Australian market.
