Rockstar wants 18 rating in Australia

By Robert Purchese Published 10 April, 2008

But cuts won't drastically affect game.

Rockstar has appealed to the Australian government to introduce an R18+ rating for the region.

Its comments follow the decision to cut Grand Theft Auto IV in order that it meet the current MA15+ upper-limit so it can go on sale.

"We strongly support the [Office of Film and Literature Classification ] and will continue to work within their guidelines; however, we believe the government needs to bring games in line with other media by introducing an R18+ rating, or edits to games will continue to be necessary," said Rockstar in a statement.

"We encourage consumers to let their politicians know that they support an R18+ rating for games."

Rockstar has reassured those worried that cuts to GTA IV will not compromise the quality of the game nor significantly change the experience.

"While there are some minor differences between the Australian and US/EU versions, they are not significant and we do not believe they take away from the level of scope and detail that make GTA IV such an incredible experience," the publisher stated.

"We would not release the game in Australia if we believed these differences compromised the quality of the game in any way."

Grand Theft Auto IV was given an 18 certificate in the UK for having saucy and violent content.

GamesIndustry.biz climbed to the top of Mount News to preach its teachings with the power of Fact.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds. @Clert on Twitter.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (12) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • zuljin #1 4 years ago

    If it doesn't compromise the quality of the game, then why the need for an 18 rating?

  • tinners #2 4 years ago

    Why the hell is Oz so soft?? its not like they ban films out there etc and im sure blood isnt green?

  • GamesConnoisseur #3 4 years ago

    Cos the sex and violence elements have been edited out or toned down by being off screen or such. You know old classic black and white films usually zoomed in on the gun and the shot going off but only turning back to the victim collasping but no display of bullet penetration and bloody mess caused which is now the expected standard fare.

    The story and gameplaying is still the same as I understand. Or maybe in Oz version the blood is green and all the people in Liberty City is Zombiefied!

    EDIT: Tinners beat me to it re green blood!
    Edited by GamesConnoisseur at 10/04/08 @ 15:57

  • tinners #4 4 years ago

    lol green blood always saves the day.

    well im just glad i dont live in Oz. Im an adult so holding stuff back when a game this good is comming out would just make you wonder what your missing out on. obviously not much but still, i want the whole experience.

    indeed the exorcist is a comedy in this day and age!
    Edited by tinners at 10/04/08 @ 16:02

  • Whizzo #5 4 years ago

    If it doesn't compromise the quality of the game, then why the need for an 18 rating?
    Rockstar probably doesn't want to keep spending money modifying their games for Australia.

  • The_Pope #6 4 years ago

    It's only some gay old law that limits the maximum rating for video games to 15+ (cos they're only played by kids etc, right?). They have an 18+ rating for films but this retarded law doesn't extend that to games (yet!)

    That's all it is. It's not at all related to the green blood thing our German friends have to put up with.

    In terms of it not affecting the game that much, I'd reckon all the changes will be is the moderation of some of the language. I have to admit to being pretty tacken aback at some of the swearing in San Andreas, so they'll probably just swap out a few "mofos" for 15+ rated swearing :)

    Some of the sex content might be toned down as well, but you'll still be able to shoot people and steal cars - you can do that at 15 :p
    Edited by The_Pope at 10/04/08 @ 16:38

  • tinners #7 4 years ago

    "It's only some gay old law that limits the maximum rating for video games to 15+ (cos they're only played by kids etc, right?). They have an 18+ rating for films but this retarded law doesn't extend that to games (yet!)"

    Wow that's erm.....silly! when will they change that law?? once they realise not everyone who owns a console is 15 :/

  • RazorObsession #8 4 years ago

    significant enough for me to import it from New Zealand though. well done Australia, you just lost yourself a sale.

  • Antwandemarco #9 4 years ago

    GTA: Australia = Pong

  • Kill_Crazy #10 4 years ago

    Lots of Aussies importing then.

  • muscleblade #11 4 years ago

    Stupid. They should know that most gamers are more than 18 years old. The average 360 gamer is about 23.

  • mooseman721 #12 4 years ago

    Import, region free (ps3 anyway). Job done.