Kotaku AU first noticed the move last week, and when we contacted Microsoft for comment, were handed this rather vague statement:

Microsoft has taken an initiative in New Zealand to ensure people under the age of 18 cannot access mature content. We are working to limit access to content to the appropriate age group in New Zealand. This will take some time due to technical reasons. We are working to remove the ability for people under the age of 18 to add points until we can resolve this issue. People affected by this issue can be refunded via our customer call centre, which can be contacted through www.xbox.com/en-nz/support or on 0508 555 592.

So the kids will get their access to kid-friendly paid content (and to add MS points to their account) back once these “technical reasons” have been overcome. That’s fine. If kids can’t watch adult movies in NZ, it was only a matter of time before their were restrictions put in place for access to adult gaming content as well.

Slightly more concerning is that we asked Microsoft at whose behest this move took place (Microsoft’s or a relevant New Zealand authority), and whether this could be used as a test case for age-based lockdowns in other markets. And did not receive a response.

Surely there’s a better way of handling this than effectively locking child users out of large parts of Xbox Live, even if it is “temporary”? They may be under 18, but their money’s as good as anyone else’s.

Microsoft Confirms Locking New Zealand Kids Out From Xbox Live [Kotaku AU]

Last week we reported that, after the Xbox Live Update in mid-June, some New Zealand gamers discovered they could no longer download content from Xbox Live Marketplace. Turns out that “some New Zealand gamers” meant every single one of them who had signed up to Live with a child account. If Live knows you’re under 18 and live in New Zealand, you cannot even download a demo of a G-rated game.

We asked Microsoft New Zealand what was happening. Here’s what they told us:

“Microsoft works with individual consumers to resolve customer concerns. We are working with individuals on this situation. New Zealand customers experiencing any issues can contact Xbox Customer Support for assistance by visiting www.xbox.com/en-nz/support.”

Which, of course, failed to address issues like “Is this a change of policy or a temporary technical issue?” or “It has been suggested that this change was made under pressure from the NZ government. Is that actually the case?” or “What happens to any Microsoft Points a child account had previously purchased or redeemed but has yet to spend?” or indeed any of the other questions we actually put to them.

So we asked again. Specifically, we asked “Who decided it should happen? Is it permanent? Why has Microsoft not explained the policy change to customers? Why are customers who have called the support line being told different information?” And here’s what they told us:

* Microsoft has taken an initiative in New Zealand to ensure people under the age of 18 cannot access mature content.
* We are working to limit access to content to the appropriate age group in New Zealand. This will take some time due to technical reasons.
* We are working to remove the ability for people under the age of 18 to add points until we can resolve this issue.
* People affected by this issue can be refunded via our customer call centre, which can be contacted through www.xbox.com/en-nz/support or on 0508 555 592.

Which, frankly, still isn’t good enough. We’ve pressed Microsoft again for a proper explanation as to why they are taking this “initiative” and how it will be implemented. If/when they respond, we will let you know. At least we do now know that it isn’t just some temporary glitch in the system. And at least they have promised to refund your points.

While we applaud some efforts Microsoft is taking to make Xbox Live a safe place, we don’t think this “initiative” is the right way to go about it. Taking away content your customers have enjoyed for over three years will understandably make them angry. Worse, refusing to explain why such steps have been taken is only going to exacerbate that anger.

Sure, it’s easy enough for all those NZ gamers affected to abandon their existing Live account and then setup a new adult account where they lie about their age. But, really Microsoft, is that what you want?

After the recent Xbox Live update, some New Zealand gamers discovered they could no longer download content from Xbox Live Marketplace. But that was OK, we all had problems.

Unfortunately those problems have continued for certain New Zealand Xbox Live users, specifically those with child accounts. Weeks later, a thread on the NZ Xbox.com forums is full of people unable to access any Marketplace content because their Live accounts are marked “child”.

The Microsoft Help and Support page verifies the problem exists, labelling it with the error code “80153065″:

Symptoms: When you try to download content from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace, you receive the following error message:
Can’t retrieve information from Xbox LIVE. Please try again later.
Status code: 80153065

Cause: This problem may occur if you use an Xbox LIVE Child Account, and if your account region is set to New Zealand. If the regional requirements are set to New Zealand, Xbox LIVE does not allow Child Accounts to download content. This is true regardless of the settings for content rating or for parental control.

Forum posters have reported varying explanations from Microsoft customer support – anything from a technical issue to Microsoft being forced into the action by the New Zealand government. Some have also claimed Microsoft has been unable to reimburse them for previously purchased or redeemed Microsoft Points left sitting in child accounts.

On Sunday, NZ Xbox.com moderator “Teljam” posted to say he had spoken to Microsoft New Zealand about the issue and “yes they are working on it”, before locking the thread. The thread has now been unlocked.

We’ve contacted Microsoft for comment. Meanwhile, any Kiwi readers out there, feel free to relate your experiences in the comments.

[Thanks Josh S]

Nintendo’s chosen to make the change-over official with a new campaign featuring Brain Training and Olivia Newton-John. I’m not sure what the link is between Newton-John and NZ, but I suppose it’s better than some generic US celebrity.

Press release after the jump.

Australia, 29 August, 2008 -

New Zealand will soon see an abundance of Wii™ and Nintendo DS® products hit the shelves in retail stores, as Nintendo announces that from 1 September 2008 New Zealand will be home to a strong supply of Nintendo products. To support this, Nintendo will undertake an active advertising and marketing campaign throughout New Zealand.

The advertising campaign will kick off with Olivia Newton-John testing her Brain Training™ skills on Nintendo DS, and will also include activity for Wii Sports™ and Wii Fit™. The advertising and marketing campaign will include key Nintendo products, with five Nintendo DS, and six Wii advertising campaigns planned between 1 September and Christmas 2008.

Nintendo is known for its innovative and intuitive products, Wii and Nintendo DS, which are easy to pick up and play.

The appeal of the Wii is that it has something for everyone. From Wii Fit to Mario Kart™ Wii, gamers and non-gamers alike will find something that will appeal. Wii is easy to pick up and play – with Mario Kart Wii, players simply pick up the Wii Wheel™ and steer to begin racing, and with tennis in Wii Sports the Wii Remote is used as a tennis racquet.

Nintendo DS revolutionises handheld game play. With two ultra bright screens, 3D graphics, touch-screen technology and wireless communication, players can challenge themselves or their friends anywhere, anytime. Nintendo DS brings multiple features together to deliver cutting-edge games for fans of every genre, a great library of games including nintendogs™, Brain Training and The Legend of Zelda®: Phantom Hourglass means there’s something for everyone.

Nintendo is also known for the Touch! Generations range. Titles that include the Touch! Generations logo are games that are easy to pick up and play no matter what your gaming experience or skill level. Nintendo’s Touch! Generations titles can help you train your brain, play sudoku, brush up on your maths skills, exercise your eyes and connect with people thousands of miles away. They can be enjoyed on those quiet moments for yourself, or together with the whole family. Games in the Touch! Generations range include Wii Fit, Big Brain Academy™ for Wii, Endless Ocean™, Wii Sports, Brain Training, More Brain Training™, Sight Training™, Clubhouse Games™, nintendogs, Cooking Guide: Can’t decide what to eat? and Tetris® DS among others. Visit http://www.touchgenerations.com/ for more information.

For information about Nintendo please visit: http://www.nintendo.co.nz/

While the main CEs will be available at most retailers, the “Initiation” packs are exclusive to EB Games. The release says these are “extremely limited”, and are contained in a pizza box from an in-game fast food chained called “Freckle Bitches”. Neat.

Prices range from $110 (PC CE) to $150 (PS3 and 360 Initiation packs). All the details, including bigger pictures, can be found after the jump.

THQ rewards Saints Row 2 fans with exclusive Australia and New Zealand special editions

With the upcoming release on October 16 of Saints Row 2 –the sequel to the smash hit action sandbox game Saints Row–THQ are proud to announce details of the Saints Row 2 “Initiation” and “Collector’s” Editions/Packs for Australia and New Zealand, featuring content exclusive to Australia and New Zealand.

There are six different editions in all, two each for Xbox 360, PC and PS3.

The Xbox 360 Collector’s Edition, PC Collector’s Edition and PS3 Collector’s Pack will be available from selected retailers, including EB Games, GAME, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and most independent games retailers.

The Xbox 360, PC and PS3 Initiation Packs are exclusive to Australia and New Zealand. In addition to the contents of the Collector’s editions/packs, they contain a range of collectible bonus items and come packaged in a Freckle Bitches (fast food chain from the game) pizza box. They will be extremely limited and only available from EB Games.

Xbox360 Collector’s Edition – SRP AUD$129.95

The Xbox360 Collector’s Edition is packaged in a unique ‘gun’ box and includes:

• Saints Row 2 game for Xbox360
• Exclusive Art book
• Double-sided poster/map of Stilwater
• Bullet shaped 1GB USB key containing Xbox360 wallpapers and more.

Xbox360 Initiation Pack – SRP AUD $149.95

The Saints Row 2 Xbox 360 Initiation Pack is exclusive to Australia/New Zealand and is only available from EB Games. The Xbox360 Initiation Pack includes:

• Saints Row 2 Xbox360 Collector’s Edition:
o Unique ‘gun box’ packaging
o Saints Row 2 game for Xbox360
o Exclusive Art book
o Double-sided poster/map of Stilwater
o Bullet shaped 1GB USB key containing Xbox360 wallpapers and more.
• High quality Saints basketball singlet
• Saints Row 2 Money clip with bonus money off vouchers for your next trip to EB Games
• Saints Rule Book with details on the new gangs, where to shop, and more
• Saints ID card
• All packaged in a Freckle Bitches Pizza Box

PS3 Collector’s Pack – SRP AUD$129.95

The PS3 Collector’s Pack includes:

• Saints Row 2 game for PS3
• Bonus collector’s tin containing:
o Exclusive art book
o Double-sided poster/map of Stilwater
o Bullet shaped 1GB USB key containing wallpapers.

PS3 Initiation Pack – SRP AUD $149.95

The Saints Row 2 PS3 Initiation Pack is exclusive to Australia/New Zealand and is only available from EB Games. The PS3 Initiation Pack includes:

• Saints Row 2 game for PS3
• Bonus collector’s tin containing:
o Exclusive art book
o Double-sided poster/map of Stilwater
o Bullet shaped 1GB USB key containing wallpapers.
• High quality Saints basketball singlet
• Saints Row 2 Money clip with bonus money off vouchers for your next trip to EB Games
• Saints Rule Book with details on the new gangs, where to shop, and more
• Saints ID card
• All packaged in a Freckle Bitches Pizza Box

PC Collector’s Edition – SRP AUD$109.95

The PC Collector’s Pack includes:

• Saints Row 2 game for PC
• Bonus collector’s tin containing:
o Exclusive art book
o Double-sided poster/map of Stilwater
o Bullet shaped 1GB USB key containing wallpapers.

PC Initiation Pack – SRP AUD $129.95

The Saints Row 2 PC Initiation Pack is exclusive to Australia/New Zealand and is only available from EB Games. The PC Initiation Pack includes

• Saints Row 2 game for PC
• Bonus collector’s tin containing:
o Exclusive art book
o Double-sided poster/map of Stilwater
o Bullet shaped 1GB USB key containing wallpapers.
• High quality Saints basketball singlet
• Saints Row 2Money clip with bonus money off vouchers for your next trip to EB Games
• Saints Rule Book with details on the new gangs, where to shop, and more
• Saints ID card
• All packaged in a Freckle Bitches Pizza Box

The official NZ Army officer recruitment site lists leadership, academic skills and fitness as “three key qualities essential to strong performance as an Officer”, so we’re not sure how Tetris skills fit in there. If they do, New Zealanders should fear Japan, as it has already perfected the super soldier formula.

New Zealand looking for a few good…Tetris players [Copyranter - thanks, Mark!]

The end result is the Gameplanet has removed the pricing from its site. But that’s okay, because we still have it.

Rock Band price update [Gameplanet, thanks SamStride]

Then again, maybe it won’t. Kiwis after the complete Rock Band experience (two guitars, drums, game and microphone) will have to shell out a staggering $NZ 519.85. That’s madness with a dollar sign. The game itself will retail for $NZ 119.95.

The original email, with pricing for the Xbox 360, PS3, PS2 and Wii, can be found after the jump. Before you ask, no, there’s no mention of Australia. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear something soon… and it won’t be from Harmonix.

Welcome to this special “Rock Band” Edition of the Gameplanet Store Newsletter!

Rock Band is coming to NZ — secure yours now!

Rock Band has been a phenomenon in North America and Europe and us Kiwi gamers are finally going to get in on the action early October. The bad news however is that Electronic Arts has advised that this is a one off shipment and stock will be extremely limited! Here’s what is going to be available…

Xbox 360
• Rock Band (game only) ($119.95)
• Hardware bundle (Drums, Wireless Guitar, Mic) ($299.95)
• Drum Kit ($179.95)
• Wireless Guitar ($99.95)
PlayStation 3
• Rock Band (game only) ($119.95)
• Hardware bundle (Drums, Wireless Guitar, Mic) ($299.95)
• Drum Kit ($179.95)
• Wireless Guitar ($99.95)
Nintendo Wii
• Rock Band (game only) ($99.95)
• Hardware bundle (Drums, Wireless Guitar, Mic) ($299.95)
• Drum Kit ($179.95)
• Wireless Guitar ($US 99.95)
PlayStation 2
• Rock Band (game only) ($99.95)
• Hardware bundle (Drums, Wireless Guitar, Mic) ($299.95)
We fully expect to be sold out of Rock Band stock well before the arrival date. We strongly advise you to pre-order early to avoid disappointment… don’t leave it too late! :D

If you thought Guitar Hero was great, you ain’t seen nothing yet…

Happy gaming!

From all the team at Gameplanet Store New Zealand.

[Thanks SamStride!]

Now, NZGamer is reporting that Nintendo Australia will be stepping in to save the day, with a representative stating it would “like to assure gamers in New Zealand that [it is] currently sorting everything to make this change happen”. Sounds like good news to me, but I’d like to hear how those across the Tasman feel about the move.

Nintendo Australia To Take Over NZ? (Confirmed) [NZGamer, thanks Shaun]

However, unlike Australia, the NZ OFLC has a detailed breakdown of exactly why the game didn’t meet its standards for an M or R rating:

The computer game Manhunt 2 was classified on 12 June 2008 by the Office of Film and Literature Classification as objectionable due to the manner in which it depicts and deals with matters of sex, horror, cruelty and violence.

And that’s just a small sample of what’s available. In fact, there’s a freaking 12-page PDF packed full of reasons for the ban.

I have to ask: why can’t the Australian OFLC have info like this accessible to the public? I know our classification system is backward-arse, but the NZ OFLC makes the Oz one look lazy, half-arsed and just plain shit.

Manhunt 2 [Office of Film and Literature Classification NZ, via NZGamer]