Responding Australia's refusal to classify upcoming shooter Aliens vs. Predator, developer Rebellion says it will not cut violent content for "territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices." Ouch.
The refusal to classify Aliens vs. Predator in Australia is effectively a ban, as the country will not allow the sale of a game that doesn't fall under its maximum allowed game rating of MA15+, and Rebellion agrees that its game doesn't qualify for that rating. The following is from a statement issued by the developer.
"Rebellion is disappointed that its upcoming title Aliens vs. Predator has been banned in Australia. However, as we understand the law in that country the authorities had no choice as we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults."
Rebellion's problem is the same that many Australian games and gamers are forced to deal with - the fact that while films can carry R18+ and X18+ ratings, labeling them as adults only, video games can not. This has caused many developers over the years to modify titles, including Bethesda, which altered the drug references in Fallout 3 to suit Australian censors. Rebellion, true to its name, refuses to make changes.
"The content of AVP is based on some of the most innovative and iconic horror movies, and as such we wanted to create a title that was true to the source material. It is for adults, and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent. We will not be releasing a sanitised or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices."
Harsh words, but words that countless other developers and gamers can get behind.
