HomeGenreActionSaints Row IV Refused Classification in Australia

Saints Row IV Refused Classification in Australia

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While many gamers rejoiced when an R+ rating was introduced into the Australian Gaming market, there were also many who saw it for the facade that it was, realising that very little had actually changed. Those gamers who whole heartedly supported the decision were blinded by bloodlust, certain they would never miss out again on the sexual deviance and gratuitous violence that fellow gamers in many other countries had always enjoyed.

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The classification board unfortunately has a tricky little rating up its sleeve, called RC (Refused Classification), which it will always throw on the table when controversial franchises like Mortal Kombat or Grand Theft Auto bring out new installments. This time around, Saints Row finds itself under the spotlight, with its upcoming title being refused classification by the board, and consequently is currently banned from sale.

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The Government Classification Board stated, “Saints Row IV“, includes interactive, visual depictions of implied sexual violence which are not justified by context. In addition, the game includes elements of illicit or proscribed drug use related to incentives or rewards. Such depictions are prohibited by the computer games guidelines.” While this goes a long way towards helping to keep violent games away from children, a classification system that can be simply trumped by a RC rating seems somewhat redundant, and still goes no further towards allowing consenting Australian adults to enjoy their games in the same format as everyone else.

The games publisher, Deep Silver and Developer, Volition are planning to rework some of the games code to bring it in line with Australian territory laws. Saints Row IV is set for release August 2oth for PS3, XBox 360 and PC.

Darren Resnekov
Darren Resnekov
Sydney Australia enjoy gaming on all platforms music and have respect for all cultures and most beliefs