Finally we can play GTA as god and nature intended. R18+ computer games come to the ACT

its about time

Truthiness said :

So the bottom line for gamers seems to be nothing has really changed, and to keep pirating?

A small number of extra games will become available that would have otherwise not made it to retail here (previously refused titles like Syndicate, Mortal Kombat and the unedited version of Left 4 Dead 2 could also get submitted for re-classification). A smallish number of games that might have snuck into MA will probably get bumped up to R by the Classification Board going forward. Consumers will be better informed and the world will continue turning.

So the bottom line for gamers seems to be nothing has really changed, and to keep pirating?

Mordd said :

So who will be classifying the games 18+ in the ACT, the ACMA? MA games will now be classified as R, but if the ACMA already classifies them as MA doesnt the ACMA have to change the rating, how does the ACT have anything to do with that?

The way I see it this legislation is redundant given we are already adding in an 18+ category for games at a federal level, what does this legislation do that legislation does not?

The previous poster meant that future games that would have otherwise been given an MA may now be bumped into R. Existing classification decisions will not be changed.

ACMA is responsible for the classification system, i.e. the declaration of what gets marked as what. It is then up to each state and territory to determine how products with each type of marking are to be handled. In theory, any state could refuse to allow the sale of R rated games in their jurisdiction – it would be a futile act, but they could nonetheless try it. More practically, a state could require that all R rated games only be sold from behind the counter and not be put on public display.

johnboy said :

My understanding is Classification is a state power that they’ve bolted commonwealth involvement over the top later. It still needs state legislation.

Which was why the South Australian nutbags held up the process for so long.

Oh this is just essentially ratifying what they already agreed to do on a federal level then basically? Doesn’t change anything, add anything etc… just it has to be codified in each state/territory lawbooks to take effect properly, is that it?

One of the arguments for the new classification was that companies were able to make tweaks to their games in order to meet a lower classification rating. Potentially releasing some games that should have been rated R18+, as an MA15+ title instead.

A good example being Fallout 3’s in game chem Morphine being renamed to Med-X to avoid kids thinking that taking morphine in the real world will produce a positive effect similar to the in-game increase in strength/stamina etc.

However, running around and exploding people into pieces in super-slo-mo, that’s ok for kiddies. It’s just a little disjointed.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd said :

Mordd said :

I’m a bit confused by this, I thought the legal change required was the ACMA adding in an R18+ category for games and then they could legally be imported, reviewed, classified and sold here.

How does the ACT legislation affect things, as in if the ACMA do not yet have an R18+ category (not sure if they implement it yet or its about to be done soon still) then wouldn’t it not matter one bit what the ACT legislation says as its still a classification issue, or does this just mean we could import R18+ games categories as such overseas to the ACT now but they still would not have an australian classification rating?

I thought I understood what was going on with the 19+ category for games fairly well but I must admit I am rather confused by why it was necesary for this ACT specific legislation and what the difference is to the change in federal legislation which is happening atm as well.

Can anyone clarify for me please?

no. All this means is that most MA games here will now be classified as R. The same games getting banned now will more than likely be getting banned in the future.
It is still ilegal to try and import a game that has been refused classification, even if it has a uk R rating. Different countrys, different rating systems, different laws.(uk law only applys in uk)

So who will be classifying the games 18+ in the ACT, the ACMA? MA games will now be classified as R, but if the ACMA already classifies them as MA doesnt the ACMA have to change the rating, how does the ACT have anything to do with that?

The way I see it this legislation is redundant given we are already adding in an 18+ category for games at a federal level, what does this legislation do that legislation does not?

Sadly, the only dedicated game console in the Duffbowl household is a Wii… and nothing Mrs and child Duffbowl wish to play is restricted access in Australia.

From a PC point of view, with games released in by a water vapour vendor, it’s apparently fairly trivial to bypass geographic restrictions. One method used is to establish an account that allows you to proxy through a server located, say, in the US, UK or EU. Once the game is installed, said vendor doesn’t record / care where the game is played.

Mordd said :

I’m a bit confused by this, I thought the legal change required was the ACMA adding in an R18+ category for games and then they could legally be imported, reviewed, classified and sold here.

How does the ACT legislation affect things, as in if the ACMA do not yet have an R18+ category (not sure if they implement it yet or its about to be done soon still) then wouldn’t it not matter one bit what the ACT legislation says as its still a classification issue, or does this just mean we could import R18+ games categories as such overseas to the ACT now but they still would not have an australian classification rating?

I thought I understood what was going on with the 19+ category for games fairly well but I must admit I am rather confused by why it was necesary for this ACT specific legislation and what the difference is to the change in federal legislation which is happening atm as well.

Can anyone clarify for me please?

no. All this means is that most MA games here will now be classified as R. The same games getting banned now will more than likely be getting banned in the future.
It is still ilegal to try and import a game that has been refused classification, even if it has a uk R rating. Different countrys, different rating systems, different laws.(uk law only applys in uk)

And the ACT Porn industry is back in business –

“Sexual activity may be realistically simulated.” R18+ guidelines http://www.acma.gov.au/webwr/aba/contentreg/codes/television/documents/stbannexureclassificationguidelines.pdf

Does AIE offer a boob-rendering course?