Rockstar has released a statement regarding the changes made to the Australian version of GTA IV to get it past the OFLC with an MA15+ rating. Here’s the crux of it: “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.”
So there you have it folks. No specifics, sadly, but Rockstar’s confident the changes won’t affect your playing experience. Whether this is true or not is up to you to decide.
The full statement after the jump, including mention of the publisher’s desire for an R18+ rating for video games.
UPDATE (15/4/2008): New Zealand is getting the same version of GTA IV as Australia.
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.
PurpleSfinx
April 10, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Considering the price I wouldn’t buy it here anyway. But this is a better reason, really. Screw the people who want to tell me what to think. If I want it, I’ll get it no matter what I want. Thank Sony for their region free console.
Screw them for not telling us what they edited. That being said, at least they bothered. Some games *cough* Rock Band *cough* Final Fantasy *cough* don’t have to be changed *at all* but take months and months to get here – at least they’re trying to get copies here… if at horribly inflated prices.
Report PermalinkRiscaa
April 11, 2008 at 9:19 AM
More like http://www.playasia.com
The game costs $90 shipped with insurance. About $76-78 if you are willing to ship without insurance and best of all it is uncensored.
Thats cheaper then here either way and because the ps3 is region free I will probably start doing it with a lot more games…
Report PermalinkKiLLaK
April 11, 2008 at 9:40 AM
Yet another example of developers self censoring.
San Andreas was released completely uncut (prior to the “scandal”), and the version rated by the OFLC, was not ‘revised’. It was original.
Which means R* chose what to omit, rather than being told what to take out.
ie. They didn’t even try.
Report PermalinkFrank
April 11, 2008 at 11:59 AM
The game will be awesome, and i cant wait as i have preordered it.
Report PermalinkGeorgio
April 11, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Is NZ a PAL region? PAL xb360 games should work on any other PAL system regardless of country right? NZ is definately getting an un-cut version?
Just wanted to make sure as I dont want to play an uncut version. ;)
Report PermalinkLemon
April 11, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Wow, lets tell them nothing, make them pay more because ‘they dont wanna wait’, and laugh our butts off! – Rockstar
My answer – the EB 7 day refund policy. SUCK ON THAT while I wait for imports I play game as a free rental.
Me 1
Report PermalinkRockstar 0
Avsky
April 11, 2008 at 10:34 PM
People, people – please remember it’s not the OFLC that are to blame for no R18+ games. The OFLC have been pushing for an R rating – blame the Attorney Generals. If they don’t unanimously vote YES, we don’t get R rated games. The OFLC are just doing their job.
Report PermalinkDONAR
April 12, 2008 at 1:12 AM
@ Georgio
Yup, NZ is PAL, so it’ll work on your 360. For the record, the UK is PAL too, just in case the Kiwis run out of copies from exporting them all here.
Report PermalinkReuben
April 15, 2008 at 3:09 PM
And the Collectors Editions?
Report PermalinkLordLeckie
April 15, 2008 at 7:50 PM
So much for “The artist should not fear the censor” i keep thinking that phrase everytime i hear about the Oz gov and games as its almost always bad (only one good article when they were considering R but that was quickly shot down by captain fuckwit and his motlet SA crew)
Report PermalinkEric
April 17, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Dunno about you guys but if you actually check the classification website,
“http://www.classification.gov.au/special.html?n=46&p=156&sTitle=grand+theft+auto&sProductionCompany=rockstar+games&sMediaFilm=1&sMediaPublications=1&sMediaGames=1&sDateFromM=1&sDateFromY=1970&sDateToM=4&sDateToY=2008&record=224873″
you will notice under “version” it states that it is ORIGINAL.
“Classification MA 15+ (Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian)
Consumer Advice Strong violence, Strong coarse language, Drug and sexual references
Category Computer Games
Version ORIGINAL
Duration variable
Date of Classification 11 December 2007
Author ROCKSTAR NORTH
Publisher ROCKSTAR GAMES
Production Company ROCKSTAR GAMES
Country of Origin UK
Applicant TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE
Report PermalinkFile Number T07/6147
Classification Number 5273444B “
Mariah
April 19, 2008 at 9:57 AM
OFLC obviously hasn’t heard of the concept of a global market, and more-specifically; the increasing need to protect and foster local business.
I have just placed my order for a PS3 UK Pal version for $40 cheaper than local retail and uncensored.
I would have preferred to support local business but the OFLC in treating me as a child (I’ve been playing video games since Pong) has ensured another $74 has left the Australian economy.
Wake up OFLC – you’re not representing Australia’s interests.
Report PermalinkMooty
April 28, 2008 at 7:49 PM
ey guys instead of winging about games costing $40 more in Australia than in the US why don’t you buy it at JB Hifi for AU$85 instead of AU$65 +postage +insurance Online. That’s only $20 more and less after postage, if your talking about it costing $40 extra at EB Games than you should know never to shop at that rip-off merchant. The only thing EB is good for is price matching games, playing for a week then getting a refund, they are crooks.
Report PermalinkKuda
April 29, 2008 at 2:37 PM
Folks,
I would advise anyone who hasn’t placed their preorder already from a NZ store to not do so.
http://www.gtagaming.com/gtagaming/news/comments.php?i=1281
Apparently our Kiwi friends are getting the same cut version as we are
Since the UK is also PAL, I for one have ordered my xbox360 copy from http://www.gamemetal.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=313
I just pray for the day when the Att Gen approves an R18+ rating for games here in Oz but I won’t hold my breath and until that day comes I guess I will just have to keep ordering my games from overseas.
Report PermalinkREMOKAYS
April 29, 2008 at 4:23 PM
THE NEW ZEALAND VERSION IS THE SAME AS THE AUSSIE ONE
Report Permalinkhttp://www.kotaku.com.au/games/2008/04/new_zealand_oflc_confirms_its_gta_iv_same_as_australias.html
M.
April 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM
NZ definately got the same version as us. Bad luck.
Report PermalinkTim
February 1, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Why is there so much being done about the content of adult video games yet children are allowed to recieve emails containing porn links and pictures. With filters and purchased software, i still cannot prevent this. Where is the priorities?
Report PermalinkK Wells
April 11, 2010 at 7:10 PM
I have all the other GTA games & as I lived in England before moving to Adelaide I have had no problems.The rumor was that you couldn’t shoot the Police in Australian games but I don’t know if this is true as I got the English editions.I will be getting my mate to send me the English version & see what the differnce is.I’m not gonna moan as I choose to move here but the trade here will suffer as it’s so easy to get stuff from abroad via internet.Either way we need a 18+ certification to stop this problem as it will happen again & Australia can make up it’s own mind.Not only do kids play these games it’s us grown ups as well!!!!
Report Permalinkrez
January 7, 2011 at 9:33 PM
Aussies are stupid , I wonder haven’t they already seen a vagina before wtf wrong with GTA IV.
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