Australian game censorship may soon be changing

As nearly everyone in Australia knows, Australia holds the strictest censorship of games in the western world. But that may soon come to an end.  Michael Atkinson, the South Australian Attorney General and the man almost completely responsible in preventing Australia from adopting an R18+ rating for games, is stepping down from the front bench. He will remain in parliament until 2014. Atkinson has said:

“I think there ought to be renewal in the ministry. I think there are talented people on the Labor backbench who deserve a go.”

National backlash has been directed toward Michael Atkinson from many video game fans over the years. With MA15+ being the highest rating a video game can contain in Australia, developers have been forced to edit the content of video games to fit within the Australian protocols. Until January, developers of God of War 3 were worried the newest adventure of Kratos wouldn’t be allowed in Australia because of the strict censorship. With Atkinson stepping down, perhaps everyone in Australia can soon enjoy the original content of mature games the way they’re meant to be enjoyed.

Readers Comments (6)

  1. I’m quite surprised we got GoW 3 through after playing 4-5 hours of it!

    That said, they’ve definitely been relaxing these cuts lately, hopefully in preparation for the coming of a proper ratings system with R18 added in.

    We’ve seem a few pretty graphic games make it through lately, AvP was another good example. We NEED R18. Hopefully someone with a bit of sense steps into that idiot’s shoes.

  2. Michael Atkinson is basically Jack Thompson, but with power. Good thing he’s stepping down/

  3. Just because he is stepping down doesnt mean it will be less strict but hopefully it will mean that if you get some right minded individuals in it could be dropped. Must be well gay living in Australia only being allowed up to 15. Many great games are 18 and i hate cencership.

  4. Congrats all you Aussies! Now all you need is proper pricing.

  5. nice! thats one step towards better gaming for AU!

  6. Australia is so backward in many ways. You cannot bet on-line on any type of live sports games whilst they are in play, however you can put a telephone bet on. This kills making a fast move in the game of sports winning.

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