Okay, so we know that numerous advocates have been pushing for an 18+ game rating in Australia to reduce the number of video games getting banned. Many games trying to enter Australia either get denied or need to be edited before they can pass through, mostly because the country has no real mature game rating exclusively for adults; the current equivalent includes anyone 15 years or older.
Most recently, we heard about Valve's Left 4 Dead 2 being refused classification. Logically speaking, if there were an 18+ rating for video games, they can put away the massive banhammer and let games such as L4D2 through! Unfortunately, Aussie attorney general Michael Atkinson is refusing to back such a move, and unless he gives the go-ahead, Australian gamers won't be getting their new mature rating.
"People are participating and 'acting-out' violence and criminal behaviour when they are playing a video game," Atkinson reasoned. "It certainly does restrict choice to a small degree, but that is the price of keeping this material from children and vulnerable adults. In my view, the small sacrifice is worth it."
The ol' "think of the children" argument. I ask you, won't anyone please think of the gamers?
As for L4D2, EA has stated they would be appealing the classification board's decision.
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