Australia fails to increase age rating certification
No 18 rating just yet
A number of big name games have fallen foul of the Australian censors in recent years, the lack of a top-level '18+' rating in part blamed for titles like Left 4 Dead 2 being denied release.
Instead, the highest rating available to the Aussie censors is the '15+' label, which many games are still too strong to be covered by. There is also strong right-wing opposition to a higher level rating.
South Australian attorney general Michael Atkinson has refused to back drives to get an an '18' rating introduced, the legal eagle worried vulnerable 'adults' will find it too easy to get hold of adult games.
"People are participating and 'acting-out' violence and criminal behaviour when they are playing a video game. It certainly does restrict choice to a small degree, but that is the price of keeping this material from children and vulnerable adults. In my view, the small sacrifice is worth it," he said.
Thanks Joystiq.
