[Davomann]

We have it for movies, so why not for games?

There are a lot of games on the market that are designed for an adult market, with a pretty large amount of mature content. Many developers make games with an 18+ rating in mind, but currently, because there is no R rating on games, one of two things can happen to these games when they reach our shores:

1. They can be forced to be modified slightly- "watered down" if you like - then released with an MA15+ rating

2. They can be banned altogether

Recent examples include F.E.A.R. 2, which was banned at first but was later released after the developers appealed against the classification decision; and Left 4 Dead 2, which was also banned, but a heavily censored version is soon to be released. Theres a full list of examples HERE

The lack of an R18+ rating for games prevents adults from enjoying a full version of games with a higher level or mature content in them, and games that are forced on to an MA15+ rating that really belong in the R18+ category are made available to younger audiences, who really shouldn't be playing these games.

Any thoughts?

[slap_j]

Originally Posted by Davomann

The lack of an R18+ rating for games prevents adults from enjoying a full version of games with a higher level or mature content in them, and games that are forced on to an MA15+ rating that really belong in the R18+ category are made available to younger audiences, who really shouldn't be playing these games.

Any thoughts?

I see no reason why not. I believe the OFLC has said "adults should be able to read, hear and see what they want." If they believe that then they need to introduce a new rating. I reckon it's some sort of bias against videogames. People still see them as toys for children. I see videogames as a burgeoning art form. It's not quite there but I hope games like Heavy Rain will continue to push the medium in that direction.