Saints Row 4 refused classification in Australia

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The Australian Classification Board made Saints Row 4 the first game to be refused classification in the country since the introduction of the R18+ rating at the start of the year. In a statement released this morning, the ACB said it classified the game "RC (Refused Classification)" in accordance with the new guidelines. Publisher Deep Silver told us developer Volition is reworking the game's content for the territory.

"In the Board's opinion, Saints Row IV, includes interactive, visual depictions of implied sexual violence which are not justified by context," reads the ACB's statement. "In addition, the game includes elements of illicit or proscribed drug use related to incentives or rewards. Such depictions are prohibited by the computer games guidelines."

Following the news, Deep Silver provided Joystiq with the following statement.

"Deep Silver can confirm that Saints Row IV was denied an age classification in Australia. Volition, the developer, are reworking some of the code to create a version of the game for this territory by removing the content which could cause offence without reducing the outlandish gameplay that Saints Row fans know and love. Saints Row IV has been awarded PEGI 18 and ESRB M ratings where fans can enjoy their time in Steelport as originally intended."

After many years of pressure due to a number of high-profile games being banned in the country, the Australian government finally passed the law last year allowing games intended for those over the age of 15 to be bought in the country, and that law came into effect this year on January 1. In today's statement, the ACB noted it's classified 17 games under the R18+ rating so far, with those 17 including Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, and Dead Island: Riptide.

Saints Row 4 is set to arrive in North America on August 20, and Europe on August 23.

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Related Forum: Gaming Discussion

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/25/saints-row-4-refused-classification-in-australia-volition-rewo/

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"Saints Row 4 refused classification in Australia" :: Login/Create an Account :: 68 comments

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IlcamorristaPosted:

It looks like a GTA halo.

FoolishPosted:

Katsumi
BDB This game is starting to loook so different from the Saints Row 3 :s


I don't really think that it's a bad thing. The series is changing direction a little bit and i personally like that


I also think it is a good thing that the series is changing its direction

KatsumiPosted:

BDB This game is starting to loook so different from the Saints Row 3 :s


I don't really think that it's a bad thing. The series is changing direction a little bit and i personally like that

KatsumiPosted:

imgur
Katsumi
RaheemSterling_31
Katsumi
SwagDaddyYolo well that's pretty stupid. Aussie gamers matter too :(


It's really annoying that they have blocked this in Australia. I was going to buy the game legitimately but now that i can't get a copy in my own country i will likely torrent it for the PC


That or you can order it from another country


It's a bit of a pain to be honest. I may look around a little though. Maybe steam will be selling it for the PC


I hope you're able to get it, these games are so fun.


If i'm not able to buy it from oversees i will simply end up torrenting it. I will be playing it either way, it looks really fun

neboPosted:

yeah this is pretty stupid

MentalistPosted:

imgur
Katsumi
RaheemSterling_31
Katsumi
SwagDaddyYolo well that's pretty stupid. Aussie gamers matter too :(


It's really annoying that they have blocked this in Australia. I was going to buy the game legitimately but now that i can't get a copy in my own country i will likely torrent it for the PC


That or you can order it from another country


It's a bit of a pain to be honest. I may look around a little though. Maybe steam will be selling it for the PC


I hope you're able to get it, these games are so fun.


Cant you guys pre-order it somewhere else and get in send to you? I hope you guys will get it! SR is great :D I'm not sure about SR4 though :/

MentalistPosted:

This game is starting to loook so different from the Saints Row 3 :s

MentalistPosted:

imgur I love these games, so over the top.


I loved Saints Row 3, but Saints Row 4 is starting to look so different. It's getting so Science Fictionish :/

imgurPosted:

Katsumi
RaheemSterling_31
Katsumi
SwagDaddyYolo well that's pretty stupid. Aussie gamers matter too :(


It's really annoying that they have blocked this in Australia. I was going to buy the game legitimately but now that i can't get a copy in my own country i will likely torrent it for the PC


That or you can order it from another country


It's a bit of a pain to be honest. I may look around a little though. Maybe steam will be selling it for the PC


I hope you're able to get it, these games are so fun.

imgurPosted:

I love these games, so over the top.


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