22 October 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Left 4 Dead 2 classified RC upon review

A three-member panel of the Classification Review Board (the Review Board) has unanimously
determined that the computer game Left 4 Dead 2 is classified RC (Refused Classification).
Biggest… disappointment… ever…

In the Review Board’s opinion, Left 4 Dead 2 could not be accommodated within the MA 15+
classification. The computer game contains a level of violence which is high in impact, prolonged,
repeated frequently and realistic within the context of the game.
2 problems, the first is that it should have NEVER been held up against a MA+15 rating, but a R rating, which is not possible because of Michael Atkinson’s personal views. The second problem is that the violence is described as “realistic within the context of the game”. Well of FUCKING COURSE IT IS!! It’s MEANT to be realistic within the context of the game, if it were UNrealistic within the context of the game, there would be a reason to cut it.

In addition, it was the Review Board’s opinion that there was insufficient delineation between the
depiction of general zombie figures and the human figures, as opposed to the clearly fictional
‘infected’ characters. This was a major consideration of the Review Board in determining the
impact of this game on minors.
The game wouldn’t be able to have any impact on minors if that assholes Mike would just get off his boyfriend’s dick and see all the negative effects his personal views have when imposed on a whole nation.

Computer games classified RC cannot be sold, hired, advertised or demonstrated in Australia.
The Classification Review Board convened today in response to an application from the distributor
of the computer game, Electronic Arts, to review the decision made by the Classification Board on
15 September 2009 to classify Left 4 Dead 2 RC.
It was CLASSIFIED as REFUSED CLASSIFICATION? That’s simply retarded.

In reviewing the classification, the Classification Review Board worked within the framework of
the National Classification Scheme, applying the provisions of the Classification (Publications,
Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the
Classification of Films and Computer Games. This is the same framework used by the
Classification Board.
Now, last time I checked, 1995 was quite some time ago, like about 14 years. You can’t expect laws made years ago to be able to withstand the new tests presented by modern day technology and graphics. Because of the lack of laws that are set in stone regarding this, there are TONNES of inconsistent decisions made by the OFLC. For an easy example, look to the ONLY version of Left 4 Dead 2 that the OFLC would accept, it has LESS gore, or as I like to call it “violence which is realistic within the context of the game” than Left 4 Dead, which breezed through the OFLC’s clasp.

The Classification Review Board is an independent merits review body. Meeting in camera, it
makes a fresh classification decision upon receipt of an application for review. This Classification
Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board.
The Classification Review Board’s reasons for this decision will appear on the Classification
website when finalised.
I’d like to a list of good reasons, because so far, all I’ve seen is “WON’T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN?!?!” and that the violence is too suitable for the context.

*salutes*

you tell em raps.

then we can begin the revolution