More On Censorship

Okay, I said I'd do an article on my so-called "hot picks" from the recent E3 show. As of late, I have been caught up in other things (read: distracted), and my want to write on the subject has mostly waned.

Today, however, I find myself faced with a very staggering look at just how uninformed the Australian government, and in turn it's citizens, are in relation to themes presented in video-games. I so horribly points out the reasons we are denied an R18+ rating for interactive media in our humble country.

I hereby present to you my evidence. Watch How Misinformed Aussie Politicians Are About Video Games (via Kotaku). In the linked article, there is a YouTube video, which I would ask you to watch if the R18+ rating, and the lack of it, is an issue you're interested in.

The video is a segment from a relatively new show on the ABC, called Q&A. In the program, various politicians are asked questions by members of a studio audience. Questions range in their topic, from current issues, to certain governmental policies, and so forth. It just so happened one question this episode was fielded by an avid gamer, and he asks the panel of their view on the lack on an R18+ rating.

Unfortunately for Australian gamers, the fellow who posed the question wasn't really allowed a chance to address the major mistakes and misjudgments the panel made when talking about Fallout 3 and it's status as refused classification. The host summarises the game as "killing people, and using a device attached to your arm to inject drugs intravenously in order to kill more people." While in essence this is true, and I will not deny it, the panel was then led to talk about violence in video games, which is far from the issue when looking at the reason Fallout 3 was refused classification. The general consensus was to protect the children (dear lord, somebody think of the children!), though two panel members did speak in favour of the R18+ rating, which I will admit surprised me.

With this video, we are opened to the problem that it's not just a lack of understanding on behalf of the government on this issue, but that it is also a lack of a distinct, articulate and valid representative for the positive. If you've followed the many gaming forums who are talking about this issue, you'll notice while most people speaking have very valid points to put across, our community lacks a sense of eloquence when it comes to actually wording our thoughts and arguments.

Please, if you're intending to write a letter to your local government representative, or any other person in a similar or higher station, remember to take the time to word out your arguments, proof read, spell check etc. I know and can sympathise with the frustration many mature gamers are feeling right now, but remember, writing a confronting letter filled with threats and profanities isn't going to do the cause any good. In fact, it's ammunition for the against side in this debate, as you're only proving that as a gamer, you're violent and unable to speak with a clear head.

So again, if writing on this subject, remember to think your arguments through and word them properly, check your spelling and proof read. Prove to these people who are against an R18+ rating in Australia, that we are mature, level-headed and reasonable people. Give them something to think about, and a positive reason for granting us this boon.

Watch How Misinformed Aussie Politicians Are About Video Games (via Kotaku)

Fallout 3 Refused Classification In Australia

For those of us who are avid gamers in Australia, you'd be more than aware of the heated discussion and controversy when it comes to classification on video games. For those who are unaware, the highest classification rating a game can have in Australia is MA15+. Games that receive a rating higher than MA15+ are not allowed to be sold.

There was a rumor going about for a while that due to some of the content appearing in Fallout 3, Bethesda's sequel to one of the most popular turn-based RPG's, would deem in worthy of the R18+, and thus refused classification. According to Kotaku, and a quick look at the Office of Film and Literature Classification site can confirm, Fallout 3 has been refused classification.

Those who are familiar with the Fallout series will know that it tends to have a rather violent overtone, amongst other things. While bloody dismemberment is acceptable in a classic 2D isometric viewpoint, when it enters the more realistic 3D world, it gets a little iffy, which I can understand. The thing I don't understand is why the Australian media hold onto the outdated classification system, especially in such a time as that we live in. It's ridiculous if you ask me.

So far there has been no response from Bethesda regarding the classification.

I would have a full blown rant on the subject, but it's 5am, and I really need to get some sleep. You can probably expect a large rant / thesis about the state of classification for video games late this afternoon / evening.

Edit (17:35):
Looking again at Kotaku, they have discovered just what has caused Fallout 3 to be refused classification. If I'm right in understanding, the game includes the use of "chems" which can alter a characters statistics. The OFLC deems this equal to drug use, as the various chems are seen as syringes, pills and the like. Here is a [Link] to the Kotaku article regarding the classification.

OFLC Entry For Fallout 3
Fallout 3 Refused Classification In Australia (via Kotaku)
Why Fallout 3 Was Refused Classification (via Kotaku)