Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia: A Closer Look
The Australian Classification Board's refusal to classify Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, effectively banning it from Australia, has sent ripples through the gaming community. The December 1st decision, issued without explanation, leaves many questioning the reasons behind this surprising ban.
Refused Classification: What it Means
A "Refused Classification" (RC) rating means the game cannot be sold, rented, advertised, or imported legally in Australia. The board states that RC-rated content surpasses the acceptable limits of even the R 18+ and X 18+ categories, exceeding generally accepted community standards.
While the criteria for an RC rating are generally clear, the application to Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact is unexpected. The game's launch trailer showed typical fighting game fare, devoid of explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use. This raises questions about potential unseen content within the game itself, or possibly clerical errors that could be rectified.
Australia's Classification History and Potential for Appeal
Australia has a history of game bans and subsequent rating reversals. Games like Pocket Gal 2 and even The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings faced initial bans, but later secured different ratings after modifications.
The Classification Board demonstrates a willingness to reconsider its decisions if developers make changes. Examples include Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (drug use portrayal revised) and Outlast 2 (removal of a sexual violence scene). By addressing concerns or modifying problematic content, developers can often overturn an RC rating.
The Future of Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact in Australia
The ban isn't necessarily final. The developer or publisher could appeal the decision by providing content justifications or implementing changes to meet Australian classification standards. The outcome remains uncertain, but the possibility of the game eventually reaching Australian players remains open.
