GTAIV December 2007 Trailer Stills
Rockstar has issued a statement on the subject of having to edit Grand Theft Auto IV to comply with the Australian game ratings system, taking a sly pop at it in the process.
The lack of an R 18+ rating in Australia prompted Rockstar to produce an edited version of GTA IV to ensure it will comply with the specifications of the MA15+ rating, the highest available to games. Other media can be granted an R 18+ rating in Australia.
Although Rockstar tells us of the Australian ratings board, "We strongly support the OFLC (Office of Film and Literature Classification) and will continue to work within their guidelines", it also kicks the same organisation. The statement goes on, "however we believe the government needs to bring games in line with other media by introducing an R18+ rating, or edits to games will continue to be necessary. We encourage consumers to let their politicians know that they support an R18+ rating for games."
The OFLC's website simply tells us, "There is no R 18+ or X18+ classification category for computer games." No explanation as to why is given.
Rockstar may have the option to release an unedited version in the future, however. The Australian government has decided to open a period of public consultation on whether games should be allowed an R 18+ rating. Victorian state deputy Premier and Attorney General, Rob Hulls, acknowledged, "At the moment, Australia is out of step with the rest of the developed world on this issue".
Australian gamers angry at not being allowed to see the full, unedited version of GTA IV can read Rockstar's full statement on the subject below.
Statement via iTwire
The lack of an R 18+ rating in Australia prompted Rockstar to produce an edited version of GTA IV to ensure it will comply with the specifications of the MA15+ rating, the highest available to games. Other media can be granted an R 18+ rating in Australia.
Although Rockstar tells us of the Australian ratings board, "We strongly support the OFLC (Office of Film and Literature Classification) and will continue to work within their guidelines", it also kicks the same organisation. The statement goes on, "however we believe the government needs to bring games in line with other media by introducing an R18+ rating, or edits to games will continue to be necessary. We encourage consumers to let their politicians know that they support an R18+ rating for games."
The OFLC's website simply tells us, "There is no R 18+ or X18+ classification category for computer games." No explanation as to why is given.
Rockstar may have the option to release an unedited version in the future, however. The Australian government has decided to open a period of public consultation on whether games should be allowed an R 18+ rating. Victorian state deputy Premier and Attorney General, Rob Hulls, acknowledged, "At the moment, Australia is out of step with the rest of the developed world on this issue".
Australian gamers angry at not being allowed to see the full, unedited version of GTA IV can read Rockstar's full statement on the subject below.
"The Australian version of Grand Theft Auto IV was rated by the OFLC in December 2007 as MA15+. Unlike the US and Europe, Australia still lacks an R18+ rating for video games and as a result many games are edited for release in Australia, including most previous Grand Theft Auto releases.
"While there are some minor differences between the Australian and US/EU versions, they are not significant and we do not believe they take away from the level of scope and detail that make GTA IV such an incredible experience. We would not release the game in Australia if we believed these differences compromised the quality of the game in any way. We strongly support the OLFC and will continue to work within their guidelines; however we believe the government needs to bring games in line with other media by introducing an R18+ rating, or edits to games will continue to be necessary. We encourage consumers to let their politicians know that they support an R18+ rating for games."
"While there are some minor differences between the Australian and US/EU versions, they are not significant and we do not believe they take away from the level of scope and detail that make GTA IV such an incredible experience. We would not release the game in Australia if we believed these differences compromised the quality of the game in any way. We strongly support the OLFC and will continue to work within their guidelines; however we believe the government needs to bring games in line with other media by introducing an R18+ rating, or edits to games will continue to be necessary. We encourage consumers to let their politicians know that they support an R18+ rating for games."
Statement via iTwire
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Comments
JJ 10 Apr 2008 11:35
1/8
If aussies don't get a full version I suspect many will just import the full version from europe seeing as it's all PAL....this would mean a slight revenue loss from retailers in OZ.
I know if I was in OZ there,s no way I'd buy a watered down version of the most anticipated game this gen.
I know if I was in OZ there,s no way I'd buy a watered down version of the most anticipated game this gen.
realvictory 10 Apr 2008 12:12
2/8
"While there are some minor differences between the Australian and US/EU versions, they are not significant and we do not believe they take away from the level of scope and detail that make GTA IV such an incredible experience. We would not release the game in Australia if we believed these differences compromised the quality of the game in any way."
Well, what's the problem, then?
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deleted 10 Apr 2008 15:33
3/8
as long as you can still kill hookers after F**King them and stealing back your money, who cares!
p 10 Apr 2008 18:40
4/8
realvictory wrote:
"While there are some minor differences between the Australian and US/EU versions, they are not significant and we do not believe they take away from the level of scope and detail that make GTA IV such an incredible experience. We would not release the game in Australia if we believed these differences compromised the quality of the game in any way."
Well, what's the problem, then?
So why not make the same cuts for Europe and US and broaden the market? I’m sure the mid teens would be glad to be able to both, buy the game, and not be exposed to terrible things their tiny minds can’t dismiss as fantasy. Oh, and I’m sure, knocking three years off the age rating won’t harm the desirability of the game with said same group.
I bet Rockstar wished they’d thought of that before now.
charliebrownau 11 Apr 2008 01:35
5/8
Its a shame that rockstar doesnt refuse
to release the edited stripped cut down edition .
They could mention that watering down the game
will take away from its orignal design and they
refuse to butcher their product for the Australian
market that does not offer an AO/R18 rating
Instead they could offer Austalians to buy an
un cut edition online along with proof that your over 18.
Then again when ever games are edited or banned in Australia
the amount of people that PIRATE the game and IMPORT the game
is quite large.
to release the edited stripped cut down edition .
They could mention that watering down the game
will take away from its orignal design and they
refuse to butcher their product for the Australian
market that does not offer an AO/R18 rating
Instead they could offer Austalians to buy an
un cut edition online along with proof that your over 18.
Then again when ever games are edited or banned in Australia
the amount of people that PIRATE the game and IMPORT the game
is quite large.
SuperRoach 11 Apr 2008 05:47
6/8
I like how rockstar backed off without saying what content was cut. Talked about that in the last episode of ausTech news, but what we think will happen will be the "hookers" being cut.
I expect this will be a cd that will be well checked for extra content on it ;)
So in that, I can see that the "cut" content being softdisabled, being renabled via a actionreplay or something similar.
I expect this will be a cd that will be well checked for extra content on it ;)
So in that, I can see that the "cut" content being softdisabled, being renabled via a actionreplay or something similar.
PreciousRoi 11 Apr 2008 13:04
7/8
Will that fly in the wake of "Hot Coffee"?
deleted 11 Apr 2008 13:06
8/8
PreciousRoi wrote:
Will that fly in the wake of "Hot Coffee"?
probly not and being australian its more of a fruit smoothie?