Michael Atkinson's Successor Will Push for R18+ Ratings

[blankedboy]

FFFFFFFFFFFF


Have both, you retards. This is why I live in New Zealand >.>
I'd live in Singapore, but it's kinda complicated to get to at 15.

 

[Xixikal]

Thank the Nine... we finally get a politician who's got some sense.

 

[008Zulu_v1legacy]

The official word is that our states have until July to decide, but the A.C.T (Australian Capital Territory) our capital (seems a little redundant to add that last bit), will be introducing their own R18 classification before the July deadline and regardless if the other states decide against it.

So one way or another, we will get it. Its as good as gotten.

 

[R0cklobster]

I still think that judging by the average age of gamers in Australia (~30), compared to the average person who watches movies in Australia (38), there really is no reason to have a different rating system.

Nor do I think that getting rid of the MA rating will make a big enough difference to warrant not having it. I'd imagine that not too many parents would care all that much whether or not the MA rating still existed as to what they let their kids play.

 

[SpiderCabaret]

As much as there are games given an MA15+ rating when they need an R18+, there are games that are given an MA15+ and are suitable for that rating. Just glancing at what I have in view, there are at least 7 MA15+ games that would be inappropriately light in an R18+ category and inappropriately strong in the M category. Abolishing MA15+ would make a mockery of one or the other, maybe even both. The wrong messages would still be sent with regards to what is and is not suitable for certain ages. Primarily, the MA15+ category is wrong is when, thanks to people like his predecessor, games that should be rated R18+ are made available for 15 year olds.

Unless, John Rau, you're trying to tell me that games like Uncharted are actually highly inappropriate for 15 year olds. If that's the case, I think Labor has enough image issues without you adding to it with your silliness.

 

[UnSub]

This isn't compromise. This is possibly ending up with a more restrictive option than we already have.

Well no, there's no way it could be more restrictive, because now there will be no need for games to be banned and censored. There might be less access for teenagers, and I would probably care more about that if I was still under 18, but it's definitely less restrictive.

The Refused Classification option would still exist, and rather than the occasional title facing censorship restrictions (and the very rare RC rating) if Rau's offer was accepted all the video games currently rated MA15+ would likely get flipped to R18+. It won't come down to an M rating because the original classification indicated that it was already exceeded that position.

Those over 18 would likely get access to Mortal Kombat, but those aged 15 - 17 would lose the ability to legally buy titles like BioShock, Assassin's Creed 2 and Red Dead Redemption. And that's in the best case scenario, where R18+ rated titles were allowed on the shelf, not stuck under the counter or otherwise hidden from view.

It also sends the message that video games are so dangerous that unlike books and films, they are too extreme to have the MA15+ rating.

 

[Custard_Angel]

Australia should stop treating their residents like shit and more like adults capable of making a decision for themselves.

This is so backwards.

Don't you realise that games are for kids?

This is to protect the kids.

You monster.