Konami's much-anticipated game, Silent Hill f, has encountered a roadblock in Australia, receiving a Refused Classification (RC) rating. This classification means the game cannot currently be sold in the country. However, this initial rating was assigned by an automated tool from the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC), rather than by the Australian Classification Board itself. Given past precedents, it's likely that this isn't the final word on Silent Hill f's availability in Australia.
Konami does not handle its own game distribution in Australia; instead, it relies on a third-party distributor, which IGN has reached out to for comment on this issue.
The specific reasons behind Silent Hill f's RC rating have not been disclosed. In Australia, games are typically refused classification due to content involving sexual activity with someone appearing to be under 18, depictions of sexual violence, or linking rewards to drug use. Since the introduction of the R18+ category for games in January 2013, these are the main reasons a game might be barred. A previous Silent Hill game, Silent Hill: Homecoming, faced a similar issue in 2008 due to a high-impact torture scene. However, it was eventually released with modifications and received an MA15+ rating.
It's important to note that Silent Hill f's current RC rating in Australia stems from the IARC's automated online tool, designed for mobile and digital games. This system involves developers answering a series of questions about the game's content, after which the tool automatically assigns ratings based on each country's standards. In Australia, this tool is used exclusively for digitally distributed games, having been adopted in 2014 to manage the overwhelming volume of games released, particularly on platforms like the iOS app store.
There have been instances where the IARC tool's ratings have been higher than those given by the Australian Classification Board, leading to confusion and reports of games being banned when they were not. The tool is free, making it advantageous for smaller publishers and developers. However, physical game releases still require a direct submission to the Classification Board, which has the authority to override any IARC-assigned rating.
In Australia, game publishers can employ staff as accredited classifiers or authorized assessors. Accredited classifiers, after receiving training from the Classification Board, can classify games independently, and their decisions are recognized as official. Authorized assessors, similarly trained, can only make recommendations to the Classification Board, which then makes the final decision.
It remains to be seen whether Silent Hill f's RC rating will be upheld following further review. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that Silent Hill f has been granted an 18+ rating in Japan, marking it as the first Silent Hill game to receive such a certification in that country.
