Half Life 2 May Get Banned

[Vampmon]

The folks over at Sumea have posed an interesting question: will HL2 be refused classification in Australia in the light of the Pan European Games Information (PEGI) rating of R18+ given to HL2? In Australia, no games have been accepted as R18+ titles meaning that HL2 will need to be given MA15+ (or below) certification to be sold in Australia.

The Australian Office of Film & Literature Classification (OFLC) is yet to classify HL2, but I'm sure most Aussie gamers who have been waiting over 5 years for the most-anticipated game will be keeping their eyes peeled on the OFLC website to see if HL2 receives a rating. Given that games such as the Soldier of Fortune series and Doom 3 received approval (which were also rated R18+ by PEGI), it seems highly unlikely that HL2 will be refused certification.

www.hlfallout.net/comments.php?id=7527

[MushroomheadXIII]

As much as banning games and/or censoring 'em, i think it sucks. But the countries do have their reasons. In germany they censor the blood in gta and in hitman you can't shoot civilians. I think it is a good idea though, all that gore does influence the little kids (even teenagers) and believe it or not, it does lead to violence.

[Fudge Tunnel]

Surely you could still order it through the internet and have it posted from overseas. How would they be able to stop you?

[evilmegaman]

or you could just use steam :)

[Vampmon]

Surely you could still order it through the internet and have it posted from overseas. How would they be able to stop you?

More problems that way, if you dont have a credit card or you have dialup internet etc...

[Vampmon]

Well, good news for UK Gamers... Although the Pan European Games Information (PEGI) gave Half Life 2 a 18+ rating, the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) have given Half Life 2 a rating of 15+. Now we'll have to wait and see what gets used.

[Cunning Linguist]

As much as banning games and/or censoring 'em, i think it sucks. But the countries do have their reasons. In germany they censor the blood in gta and in hitman you can't shoot civilians. I think it is a good idea though, all that gore does influence the little kids (even teenagers) and believe it or not, it does lead to violence.

How would you see that playing violent videogames leads to violence? Did playing super mario make me a plumber or a saver of princesess? Did playing packman lead me to eat pills and chase ghosts?

Studies show that violent people often don't play video games, but rather find them boring.

The trend of labeling games as the source of violence among children comes with a long line media history, from back in the 1700 where written fiction was the source of female "hysteria". Radio was known for it's evil doings, when it made people steal, murder and rape. And then when the cinema came along, it became the source of poverty and bad eyesight for younger children. Crime movies where also the source of the rising crimerates in the newfound big cities. (no, poverty had nothing to do with it)
Then along came the LP, and rock music. They inspired to violence and sexual liberty. (sex and general hornyness apperently never existed before Elvis)
Cabel came along and made the whole world start using foul words. (like there was none of that before). When VHS came along, it made horror/slatter movies come along, and again violence was blamed on this.. but on the contrary, violence was on the way DOWN in the 80's, something noone wanted to admit. There is also D&D, we can blame that for satanisem..

When wolfenstein 3D came out, it was clear that now videogames was the source of all kinds of evil. The fact that you killed Nazi's did not matter that much, everyone was convinced that it was promoting Nazi propaganda. The list then goes on and on.. the first DOOM games, then Quake, then GTA games, GTA 3 even more so.. and last but not least Half Life 2..

Games do NOT lead to violence, any more then books with Fabio on the cover leads to female hysteria.

[Vampmon]

How would you see that playing violent videogames leads to violence? Did playing super mario make me a plumber or a saver of princesess? Did playing packman lead me to eat pills and chase ghosts?

LOL good point!

[Rajarius]

I hear ya CL. More often than not, the media just wants ratings. Finding something to blame for something else is usually the way to get them. Plus, it seems easy.