Computer Games such as Aliens vs Predator, Left 4 Dead 2, and Fallout 3 are amongst a number of computer games that have been banned (at least initially) from release in Australia. Currently, if a computer game is considered by the Classification Board to be of a category which should be more restricted than M 15+, then the game may not be released in Australia. Perhaps if there was an R 18+ category those games and many others would not have been banned.

This may soon change. Late last year the federal government released a discussion paper calling for public comment on whether Australia should introduce an R 18+ classification category for computer games. If approved, it would mean that adult only computer games could be released in Australia, making Australia the last of the countries with a classification system to adopt such a classification category.

The discussion paper asks, "Should the Australian National Classification Scheme include an R 18+ classification category for computer games?" and proposes a number of arguments for and against the introduction of the R 18+ category.

Some of the reasons offered by the government in the paper as to why an R 18+ classification should not be introduced include the concerns that:

"Playing violent computer games has a greater negative effect on people than viewing the same degree of violence in films";
"It would be difficult to enforce age restrictions for computer games"; and
"Minors would be more likely to be exposed to computer games that are unsuitable for them".

A number of the government's suggestions as to why an R 18+ category should be introduced have been based on improvements in technology, the increase in the average age of gamers (which is now about 30), and the shift in a number of social factors. Those suggestions include:

"A new classification will supplement technological controls on minors' access to age-inappropriate computer games";
"Adults should not be prevented from playing R 18+ level computer games simply because they are unsuitable for minors";
"Consistent classification categories for films and computer games are easier to understand"; and
"The R 18+ classification category sends a clear; unambiguous message to parents that the game material is unsuitable for minors".

Ultimately, a balance must be reached between: a) allowing adults to read, hear and see what they want; b) protecting minors from material likely to harm or disturb them; and c) community concerns about depictions that condone or incite violence.

At this stage, it appears that Australians support the introduction of the R 18+ classification. In fact, a 2009 report released by Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia revealed that 91% of Australians surveyed (both gamers and non-gamers) supported the introduction of the R 18+ classification.

It is also reported that South Australia's Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson, is the only Minister, among Ministers responsible for censorship and overseeing the classification in each state and territory, who is publicly opposed to the introduction of the R 18+ classification. Mr. Atkinson has also overseen the introduction of recent changes to South Australian Law relating to classification. See this article for more detail: South Australia's Changes to Film Classification Law.

Submissions on the introduction of the R 18+ classification category are due by 28 February 2010.

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