Despite earlier reports, the Classification Board has confirmed that a modified version of Outlast 2 was submitted for review, rather than the original version of the game.
In a statement released this afternoon, the Classification Board confirmed that Red Barrels submitted a modified version of Outlast 2 to the board after the original was refused classification. The original version of Outlast 2 was banned for implied sexual violence, with the board describing a graphic scene in particular involving the protagonist and a demonic ritual.
[referenced url=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/03/heres-why-outlast-2-was-refused-classification-in-australia/” thumb=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/outlast-2-410×231.jpg” title=”Here’s Why Outlast 2 Was Refused Classification In Australia” excerpt=”Kotaku Australia has learned that Outlast 2 has been refused classification in Australia, predominately for the depiction of implied sexual violence.”]
In a statement to Press Start, Red Barrels said “there will be only one version of Outlast 2 available worldwide”.
That statement was potentially contradicted by the Classification Board in an email to Kotaku Australia, however, with the censor saying that “the original version of the game that was refused classification has been modified to allow the game to be classified R18+”. The board did not explain what about the game was modified, and referred further comment to the game’s local distributor.
If the international release of Outlast 2 maintains parity with the Australian version, Red Barrels’ original statement could still hold true, although it would mean foreign territories that had previously approved the game’s release would then have their game censored by proxy.
I contacted the game’s local distributor for comment, but had not heard back at the time of publication. I also reached out to the developers. If either get back to me, I’ll update the story with their statements.
Comments
33 responses to “Australians Won’t Be Getting The Original Version Of Outlast 2 After All”
New Zealand will, I will just get it from there.
“there will be only one version of Outlast 2 available worldwide”.
Which of course could imply that the rest of the world is getting the modified version too.
Was going to say the same thing.
Either that or it will be released as Outlast 2: Australian Nanny Edition.
Who are the distributors that are involved in sourcing the games for release in Australian stores?
This is a weird, grey area that needs more attention. Ideally, shouldn’t the distributor be involved in the classification process, if they aren’t already? Sounds like they are, so unfortunately in this case it seems they might ‘lost out’ on sales for this game because we’re all going to get it imported?
As was stated over and over and over and over last week, a weird, third-person description of a game’s set-piece moment that had to be dumbed down to layman’s terms is all we have to go on. We look silly if we shoot the messenger.
Don’t you love Friday afternoons for shit news???
Disregard. I edited this post into moderation hell
I don’t think they’re going to lose out in this case. The only reason to import would be if there was a difference in the Australian version compared to other regions. But to believe that is to believe that the developers just made a very unmistakable lie about the classification of Outlast II in Australia… I don’t think they’d set themselves up like that, unless there has been a serious breakdown in communication about the result of the classification, which leads me to think that they have modified the game everywhere. But that in itself seems extreme… Who knows, probably not worth speculating and just wait for further clarification from the bodies involved.
Given that the developer Red Barrels is the submitter, so presumably they are their own distributor here. The game is being released digitally, so it necessarily need any Australia-specific distribution help beyond classification.
As far as buying the game on a non-AU account goes, the developer is still being paid so they probably don’t care. They’re probably just working on the assumption that enough people will buy it in Australia for the costs of classification to be justified.
I will be
Meh. Just buy it overseas
Sounds like the version approved will be whats released worldwide anyway, much like Fallout 3 got Med-X everywhere.
Less nice.
I know others here have suggested importing but there is a problem; if the ACB is to be believed and only a modified version has been accepted then the original, unedited version cannot be imported.
The original version lacks a rating so is still considered a prohibited good thus import at your risk.
Somehow I think they were all well aware of this when posting 😛
Retail stores have knowingly ignored this (outdated?) regulation for years, still.
It was also different state v state/territory.
Again, the table was turned upside down after the introduction of R18.
I still maintain it’s great for a game’s publicity. They’re popping champagne 😀
What are you talking about?
I think Leigh is trying to use grey importing imply retaillers have imported prohibited goods for years.
Not the case though. If a game was grey imported then it means the version imported is still the same as what was rated; it just needs the stickers updated.
Second last sentence I have no idea.
But the last one, I think Leigh leaning towards how some games at launch used controversy to drive up first day sales. Like how Acclaim (?) said they would pay all speeding finds on the launch of one of their games.
I bought a copy of Manhunt 2 Wii edition from a physical bricks and mortar store. No sticker.
Pre-R18+, there were weird differences like you could buy it here, but not there. You were allowed to play it, not play it. Sell it, not sell it. This was different state to state.
That’s all moot now because we’re under different laws now.
It was especially rife during the last generation. More reliance on physical media meant more sources to import from, and independent stores.
I don’t think the laws have changed. RC content was illegal to import, but not to own. Except for in WA, it was illegal to own there. As far as I’m aware that’s still the case for both.
Yes, importing something banned in australia can potentially result in criminal charges from Australian customs. Many people dont realize this.
Scare tactics. Customs could give a shit. There’s more serious things going on in the world of imported goods, I assure you.
Not scare tactics. Its is against the law and can result in criminal charges. However the chances of it happened are low.
My proof? A friend of mine has a criminal record for importing a laser pointer that is more powerful than what is allowed in australia legally. He was charged with attempting to import a prohibited weapon.
Unless you can provide a documented law that says otherwise.
in other words, Put up or shut up.
Thats not proof because certain laserpointers are classified under firearms legislation, not media classification legislation. Punishments are fair harsher and Customs obviously are going to enforce firearm laws much more zealously. Again, scare tactics. They don’t give a shit about poxy video games, my proof is in my experience and other peoples. Unless you have imported games yourself then stop comparing firearms laws to video games, kiddo.
Lol that is so not proof and those are entirely different circumstances. Drop the smugness, you just embarrassed yourself.
Customs randomly check packages, if they find something they don’t ignore you they will prosecute. As said the chances are low.
Both for work and at home I’ve had packages stuck in customs.
Lol I have been importing RC games and films for over 10 years now, not once have I even had a package opened by Customs. Fact is, they have better things to do and don’t really give a toss about harmless video games. Besides, there are other ways around bans. You could buy from an ebay seller who has already imported or…..just download via US PSN or XBL. Buy a Canadian or US prepaid card and bobs your uncle. Or just pirate it on PC! You don’t need to be a drama queen and warn people like its some massive crime. Its a video game ffs LOL! Its not illegal to own in most states and even so, who the hexk cares? It obviously couldn’t be enforced anyway. The ACB is irrelevant in the digital age. This isn’t 1998.
Er, I didn’t. I pointed out the legality of the move. Just because you have succeeded for a decade does not change the legality.
They do give a stuff if they find it. They have done people for less, it’s a criminal act on their behalf if they knowingly let it through.
As I’ve said in my previous post, I’ve had lots of things stopped in customs, you essentially have just gotten lucky.
And this is why people import or pirate because they want to be able to play the game as was intended. I thought the introduction of the R18 was a great step forward but still as an adult I am being treated like a child, I would really like to make up my own mind/my own choice
I wonder if they made a trivial adjustment just so they could get it rated again.
I thought they had appealed it, but they must have modified it if they re-submitted it instead. They couldn’t re-submit the same game.
It’s going to be a change like Fallout 3 and Stick of Truth that made the entire game better, either for all (Fallout 3) or Australia (South Park).
The funniest part of the South Park game was the memo they put in regarding the stupid and unfunny bit that had to be removed.
eBay / US power sellers, take my money.
As they are saying it’s a global change, maybe australia wasn’t the only country that had an issue with what ever it was.