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R18+ Successfully Passes Through Parliament

Mark Serrels Avatar
Mark Serrels


Jason Clare, the Minister for Home Affairs has just announced that R18+ for games is set to become a reality, after legislation successfully passing through the Federal Parliament, having just gone through the Senate without amendment.

“These are important reforms over 10 years in the making,” Mr Clare said.

“The R 18+ category will inform consumers, parents and retailers about which games are not suitable for minors to play, and will prevent minors from purchasing unsuitable material.

“The reforms also mean that adults are able to choose what games they play within the bounds of the law.”

The next stage for the R18+ classification is for each separate state to pass their own complimentary legislation, since classification remains a state issue.

According to Jason Clare’s website, this means that, subject to the separate state legislation, we could be on schedule to see our first R18+ for games become a reality by January 1 2013.

Comments

106 responses to “R18+ Successfully Passes Through Parliament”

  1. Curistofa Avatar
    Curistofa

    Thank GOD… I cant believe this was ever even an issue in the first place.

    Reply
    1. Bob Avatar
      Bob

      hot diggity dog! now we can enjoy uncensored art just as the creators intended! i do believe content should be restricted based on maturity, but treating games as any other literary material is just common sense. i’m glad the fun police didn’t invest all that tax free church money to fight this, otherwise adult gamers would get boned.

      Reply
  2. rikku45 Avatar
    rikku45

    Does that mean its 100% approved? or can the senate screw things up?

    Reply
    1. NegativeZero Avatar
      NegativeZero

      It’s done and dusted and is now legislation (or will be once it becomes active). Now it’s up to each of the states to update their classification laws correspondingly before R18+ games can be sold in that state.

      Reply
    2. SenorFreebie Avatar
      SenorFreebie

      Only the High Court could stop it now with a successful legal challenge but that doesn’t happen so much.

      Reply
    3. Lactose The Intolerant Avatar
      Lactose The Intolerant

      Well I think it can still be fucked up by individual states as they have to set their own legislation before it takes effect so it’s not entirely dusted until it’s passed in your particular state

      Reply
      1. Badger Avatar
        Badger

        Yeah, like SA seems intent to go forward with its wacky interpretation of R that involves getting rid of MA.

        Reply
  3. Joshy206 Avatar
    Joshy206

    Oh frabjous day, cooloo, coolay!

    Reply
  4. rikku45 Avatar
    rikku45

    mevermind I miss read state as senate

    Reply
  5. Nathan Avatar
    Nathan

    I just hope they rate games properly. I hope we keep G, PG, M and MA and add R18+. I hope they just don’t throw everything in R18+ just because it’s here.

    Reply
  6. DirTh- Avatar
    DirTh-

    I know it’s off topic but is there any word on more GAME store closures? I heard Casula got closed down and I’ve been waiting for something to appear on Kotaku.

    Oh and YIPEE! 18+

    Reply
    1. MeiQuong Avatar
      MeiQuong

      Yes, the GAME in Wollongong closed as well. I’ve always found them to be more competitive than EB. Would like to know what’s going on.

      Reply
  7. nightFlarer Avatar
    nightFlarer

    Good news indeed!

    Reply
  8. Lucian Avatar
    Lucian

    TIME TO GET NAKED AND PLAY MORTAL KOMBAT

    Reply
  9. Tony Avatar
    Tony

    Its approved, but don’t hold your breath for this year, next year first quarter

    Reply
  10. Chris Crowe Avatar
    Chris Crowe

    Can we start a Kickstarter to cover the cost of resubmission of L4D2 through classification?? Or perhaps this could start a whole new genre of “previosuly banned” games.

    Reply
    1. Nicholas Avatar
      Nicholas

      Valve have said they’ll re-release L4D2, so nothing to worry about there. And it’s not like they’re in desperate need of money 😉

      Reply
      1. SmurfyDog Avatar
        SmurfyDog

        Have they? I missed all that. Don’t suppose you have a link?

        Reply
  11. opoponax Avatar
    opoponax

    Does this mean “Custer’s Revenge” is finally coming to Xbox?

    Reply
    1. Lebowski Avatar
      Lebowski

      With updated HD graphics and expanded boner options.

      Reply
  12. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    I’m not a religious nut, but let me tell you that this will bring about the moral downfall of Australian society! If we allow people to play one R18+ game what’s to stop them from playing two, three or FOUR R18+ games? Maybe even at the same time! What’s to stop them from playing an R18+ game with their dog or cat or even a child watching!? We are in end times people!

    Reply
    1. Everydaybadman Avatar
      Everydaybadman

      Steve, you are a sad little man. How can you expect to be taken seriously when you put “not a religious nut” and “we are in end times!” in the same paragraph? Mate, this update has been long overdue and the problem isn’t games having an 18+ rating, its the fact that 12 year olds play them and the lack of regulation at the stores they are buying the games. But guaranteed they will put id checks in place when being bought.

      People who get so upset with this R18+ rating should be happy young kids will have to get parents to buy the games, then the problem is bad parenting and not the fault of the retailers. My only dissapointment with the updated rating system? Is that it took way too long.

      Reply
      1. Sodacreamed Avatar
        Sodacreamed

        Uh… Pretty sure Steve was being intentionally ironic. His arguments are suspiciously similar to the arguments against same sex marriage made by religious conservatives.

        Reply
      2. Zac Avatar
        Zac

        Wow, someone’s really cranky with this taking so long. Obvious sarcasm is obvious

        Reply
      3. ZenMarx Avatar
        ZenMarx

        I know sarcasm doesn’t translate too well in writing, but seriously dude… It was quite clearly a joke.

        Reply
  13. DKnight1000 Avatar
    DKnight1000

    I’m kind of in shock, it’s like being told something so good has happened you just can’t believe it. Does R mean I can legally own Mortal Kombat now?

    Reply
    1. TwistOfFate619 Avatar
      TwistOfFate619

      No you can’t as there is still an RC rating and it’d still be illegal to own something that has been refused classification.

      Based on what I know on these laws it just means if Mortal Kombat were to be resubmitted for classification it has more chance of successfully being classified given more lenient restrictions on violence. But it doesn’t automatically make games legal.

      Reply
    2. PiMan Avatar
      PiMan

      It was never illegal to own it (except in Western Australia), it was just that all means of acquiring it were illegal.

      Reply
      1. WiseHacker Avatar
        WiseHacker

        No, RC means it’s illegal to also won it. And it’s a nation wide rule.

        Reply
        1. NegativeZero Avatar
          NegativeZero

          It is not illegal to own RC material, it’s illegal to sell it. The only places RC material is illegal to possess is WA and parts of NT.

          However it’s also illegal to import RC material. Though customs usually don’t care.

          Reply
  14. Sam Avatar
    Sam

    http://i47.tinypic.com/msfzow.jpg

    I thought this famous V-Day image was appropriate for the situation.

    Reply
    1. monkeyd_93 Avatar
      monkeyd_93

      technically not, it’s still RC, and unless it’s resubmitted it will retain its previous rating which was detailed a while ago i’m pretty sure.

      As for state legislation, i have a bad feeling WA will be the one that wants to be different and not implement it. Already had enough trouble getting Sunday trading sorted out :\

      Reply
      1. monkeyd_93 Avatar
        monkeyd_93

        Derp
        The comment was supposed to be for DKnight1000 >.<

        Reply
      2. Doonerbandit Avatar
        Doonerbandit

        Don’t worry SA is the crazy state our AG will screw with it up somehow.

        Reply
        1. StuMan Avatar
          StuMan

          That’s what I’m worried about. :/

          Reply
  15. Mase Avatar
    Mase

    I want a copy of what falls into the R18+ classification. I’m worried that we will end up with a “current MA15+ games will be rebranded R18+” situation and not a true reform to the system as we have hoped. Negative thinking I know but I won’t truly believe things have changed without proof

    Reply
    1. Muskie Avatar
      Muskie

      MINDREADER! 😛

      Reply
  16. Muskie Avatar
    Muskie

    There’s still an issue here.. there were rumors that R18+ would effectively replace MA15+ and have the exact same classification level as the previous classification. could anyone hunt down the actual final legislation that was passed so we can take a closer look at what we’ve got?

    Reply
    1. Spoons Avatar
      Spoons

      It wouldn’t suprise me if that happened as many of our MA15+ games are 18+ overseas.

      Reply
    2. antiphon Avatar
      antiphon

      http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bills/r4754_first-reps/toc_pdf/1218b01.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf

      it’s nothing particularly interesting. basically just introduces the R18+ category – but that’s all they really needed to do, the rest can (and should) be left to the standard classification body to sort out. for what it’s worth though it does sound like somebody in Parliament gets the point of this, so it’s not just a direct swap for the MA15+

      so yeah, as they say… gg

      Reply
      1. TwistOfFate619 Avatar
        TwistOfFate619

        If I read that correctly it still acknowledges/retains MA15+. I thought part of the point of this was to retire/replace MA15+ completely?

        Reply
        1. grimbles Avatar
          grimbles

          That was something John Rau of SA wanted, but the other As-G effectively told him that if he wanted that, he could do it on his end.

          Reply
  17. Sar Selack Avatar
    Sar Selack

    Finally.

    Reply
  18. johnyboy Avatar
    johnyboy

    YES pity the world will end before that date 🙁 tehehe

    Reply
  19. DistantDrop Avatar
    DistantDrop

    I don’t know why people feel so strongly about this.. look at the games that have been refused recently.. Syndicate, MK9, LFD2 I don’t know about you guys but I can live without them the only advantage I see in this is that developers might not remove content in order to get games past the classification board but their is still no guarantee of that.

    Reply
    1. TwistOfFate619 Avatar
      TwistOfFate619

      AvP was almost refused classifcation. When I played it I really didn’t see how it was any worse than many of the other games out there violence-wise (gameplay-wise is another thing entirely of course). Fact is where do you draw the line? The current laws are a load of crap.

      Besides MK9 and L4D2 were pretty highly anticipated so for the classification board to essentially decide FOR all gamers out there that they can’t obtain a copy – well it’s kinda frustrating as well as a little insulting to adult gamers.

      Reply
      1. The Gremlin Avatar
        The Gremlin

        You’re right, there never was a banned game that I wanted to play. BUT it was insulting. It was telling us that our hobby was childish. That it did not deserve the same consideration as other entertainment media. Finally. the religious nuts kept gloating about how much power they held over us, claiming some sort of moral superiority.

        In reality, good R18 games were sold here as MA15, everybody and their brothers know this. Which., in practical terms, was worse.

        I’m getting the first R18 game that comes out, as a memento.

        Reply
      2. James Avatar
        James

        All the classification board did was tell you that those games weren’t the type our parliament wanted us to play (and every parliament we’ve elected since the mid 90s).

        They only apply the classification scheme: they don’t create them. That’s why it was up to parliament to change the scheme.

        Reply
    2. RocK_M Avatar
      RocK_M

      And thats the short sighted thinking that let this issue drag on for so long..

      It’s simple. R18+ means that we have a *correct* rating for games for adults only. There are *many* games out there that really should not be in the hands of 15 year olds but get shoehorned as MA15+ because its the only “adult” rating AU has had. In the same way some games just get banned or altered because of a lack of this adult rating.

      It’s about making sure that when someone buys a game they can make an informed decision on the product on its suitability for the age of the person purchasing it. It goes way beyond just game’s getting banned. And besides just because those games are not to your taste does not mean no body else enjoys them either.

      Reply
    3. Azza Avatar
      Azza

      We would have been missing all those ‘ultra-violent’ games from this years e3.

      Reply
  20. Crazyguy1990 Avatar
    Crazyguy1990

    YES! Yes, yes, yes! \o/
    We’ve finally done it!

    Reply
    1. Crazyguy1990 Avatar
      Crazyguy1990

      Also, it’s funny that it passed on the 18th….

      Reply
  21. Vaporeon Avatar
    Vaporeon

    I just got engaged today, so this tops it off as best day ever.

    Reply
    1. klanky Avatar
      klanky

      Congrats! 🙂

      Reply
    2. Robby Avatar
      Robby

      Congratulations!

      Reply
  22. RB Avatar
    RB

    Still won’t mean jack if the prices of games locally doesn’t drop to match international prices

    Reply
    1. Beans Avatar
      Beans

      No joke. It’s a step though.

      Reply
    2. TwistOfFate619 Avatar
      TwistOfFate619

      At least you could always import them without worry of having them confiscated and possible fine. So it’s not totally meaningless. Generally I don’t mind ordering online anyway except on the rare game that I want to play from day 1 and “can’t wait”.

      Now if only online prices (and IMO particularly Microsoft Points) were to drop. No way around those sometimes.

      Reply
  23. Suntimehappy Avatar
    Suntimehappy

    As someone born in 1994, this could not have been timed better

    Reply
  24. Stevorooni Avatar
    Stevorooni

    I won’t believe it until I see an R18 game on the shelf.

    Reply
    1. Quirkhall Avatar
      Quirkhall

      I’ll go you one better. I’m not going to be convinced until I’m actually holding one in my hand. 😛

      Reply
  25. Lindy Stalker Avatar
    Lindy Stalker

    It’s about time!

    Reply
  26. Matthew K Avatar
    Matthew K

    Oh my god, it actually happened?

    Reply
  27. Mentos Avatar
    Mentos

    Yes!!
    Thanks Mark for keeping us all posted and for forming a level headed and reasoned voice representing gamers throughout this whole process! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Powalen Avatar
    Powalen

    I’ve supported bringing in an R18+ rating, but I’ve never actually been interested in the games that would be classified under it. Kind of makes me want to buy an R18+ game just because I can, now.

    Reply
    1. XpVis7 Avatar
      XpVis7

      Same, its not like they banned all games and its something that should never have been a problem or had to get legislation for. If we wanted a banned game, you could just import or play another game. I played Left for dead that got censored and was peed off with the censorship but could still play the game so wasnt a huge issue. Mite do the same and go buy a R18 game just because can soon lol .

      Reply
  29. The Eidetic Man Avatar
    The Eidetic Man

    Doubleplusgood news, indeed. Given that Doom 4 is expected to hit next year the introduction of the R18+ legislation is perfect timing.

    Reply
    1. Hyperthx Avatar
      Hyperthx

      ooooooooooh, good point!

      Reply
  30. Sylus Avatar
    Sylus

    Meanwhile, importers continue to enjoy +R18 games at half price

    Reply
    1. Hyperthx Avatar
      Hyperthx

      Come join us 😀

      http://www.ozgameshop.com/
      http://www.mightyape.com.au/

      Reply
  31. Lachlan Avatar
    Lachlan

    As much as I enjoy the R18 coming to aus, I really don’t like the way the SA government has handled it by completely getting rid of MA so R can come in.

    Reply
  32. klanky Avatar
    klanky

    THANK YOU, FINALLY WE ARE BEING TREATED LIKE ADULTS!

    Reply
  33. STENDEC Avatar
    STENDEC

    “The next stage for the R18+ classification is for each separate state to pass their own complimentary legislation, since classification remains a state issue.”

    Your tax dollars at work ladies and gentlemen.

    Reply
    1. Grandmaster B-Funk Avatar
      Grandmaster B-Funk

      Reply
  34. r1nce Avatar
    r1nce

    This demonstrates the power of people acting collectively towards a common goal.

    Congratulations to us all, and may we all take this lesson of personal empowerment with us for the rest of our lives.

    With thanks to Brendan O’Connor (and staff), Jeff Brand, Ron Curry, David Wildgoose, Aaron Percival and Chris Prior. We did it.

    Reply
    1. RocK_M Avatar
      RocK_M

      No love for Mr Serrells on that dedication? =P

      Reply
  35. Zar Avatar
    Zar

    OOOOOooooohhhhhhh Yeeeeaaahhhhh

    Reply
  36. Goddy Avatar
    Goddy

    SHHHH……Can you hear that? That’s the sound of a bunch of butthurt Christians being belted by Jim Wallace.

    Reply
    1. tom Avatar
      tom

      Christians in general weren’t against it, the ACL and some extremists were

      Reply
      1. JellyArrow Avatar
        JellyArrow

        I don’t think he meant all Xtians, just the ones lying and using flawed logic to argue against the R18+ rating.

        Probably no “extremsists”, either, just conservatives.

        Reply
  37. Seltox Avatar
    Seltox

    Good news 🙂

    Reply
  38. fanatictimmy Avatar
    fanatictimmy

    The classification identification system in Australia is shirt. They should change it to how most of the world is…g, pg, 12, 15, 18, (and x I think). What is with all that mature audiences bullshit?? As if anyone cares what the government “recommends”.

    Reply
    1. The Gremlin Avatar
      The Gremlin

      If the classification is shirt, we should change it to S, M, L, XL and XXL

      Reply
      1. #35 Avatar
        #35

        well played.

        Reply
  39. nooh Avatar
    nooh

    Great news, especially in light of many popular online stores now refusing to ship 18+ games to adults down under. What a shame. I guess it was worth submitting all those submissions, and signing all those petitions after all. We win. Woohooooooooooo!

    Reply
  40. Azza Avatar
    Azza

    Watch as crazy violence rampages across the streets and the fabric of society withers away!

    Reply
  41. Hyperthx Avatar
    Hyperthx

    Cool beanz!

    Reply
  42. HotDamn! Avatar
    HotDamn!

    Bravo!!

    Reply
  43. Wardo Avatar
    Wardo

    Fuck you Atkinson, does this mean I can import that Japanese rape game I’ve heard so much about now?

    Reply
  44. sm1ddy Avatar
    sm1ddy

    The R18+ proposal really isn’t that good.

    The new R18+ is likely just to shuffle currently available MA15+ games up into the new restricted category. Currently banned games will still remain outlawed with them beyond the R18+ classification. Evidence is that the Australian Christian Lobby supports the R18+ plan:

    http://www.acl.org.au/2011/07/mr-acl-cautiously-welcomes-r18-games-decision/

    Reply
    1. Zac Avatar
      Zac

      ““The draft R18+ guidelines as originally proposed would have matched the R18+ guidelines for films. This was clearly never in the interests of the community”
      Are you joking? Seriously? WTF?!
      How is this not good for the community? Someone, please help. I think I’m having an aneurism

      Reply
    2. The Gremlin Avatar
      The Gremlin

      Its called a spin. I call it a butthurt

      Reply
  45. Sam Avatar
    Sam

    Here’s to you, Michael Atkinson and the ACL!

    http://www.pitch.com/binary/9dd8/fuck_you.jpg

    Reply
    1. WiseHacker Avatar
      WiseHacker

      Congratulations, you just stooped to a lower level than them. This is the kind of response they to egg out of the people who support the R18 rating.

      Reply
  46. WiseHacker Avatar
    WiseHacker

    “These are important reforms over 10 years in the making,”

    I do not mean to be rude, but there were not 10 years in the making. They were *blocked* for over 10 years by one AG who did not want to be open to faces or other peoples views.

    Reply
  47. feral Avatar
    feral

    Suck my danglies Mr Atkinson.

    Reply
    1. #35 Avatar
      #35

      I like how people are still bringing Atkinson into this. hasnt he been retired for 3 years or something?
      yeah sure, he delayed it as best he could & was doing it for the wrong reasons, but since he’s been gone, things have moved pretty fast (in a legislative sense).

      Reply
  48. ba! Avatar
    ba!

    this is really great news

    Reply
  49. Sighduck Avatar
    Sighduck

    Finally

    Reply
  50. Boomzzilla Avatar
    Boomzzilla

    Believe it or not this actualy going to bad for games, many games that would have been MA15+ will now be bumped up to R,publishers like movie studios will self censor to ge the M rating to widen their audience and lets not forget games can still be refused classifcation outright.

    Reply
  51. Kung Fu Kai Avatar
    Kung Fu Kai

    YES! *raises arms in the air*

    Reply
  52. Gee Avatar
    Gee

    I bought a crippled copy of L4D2 through Steam a year ago, not knowing it was crippled… how long before I can play L4D2 as Valve intended it to be played!!??

    Reply
    1. WiseHacker Avatar
      WiseHacker

      Unless Valve resubmit the original for a third time (they submitted it twice), most likely never as the uncut version is RC-ed.

      Contrary to popular belief, it has been made clear by Brendan O’Connor (I could be wrong, feel free to correct me) that even if R18+ is introduced, RC games remain RC games until they are resubmitted again. They will not be automatically classified to R18+.

      Reply
      1. Gee Avatar
        Gee

        🙁

        Reply

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