Bipartisan support in Australia has allowed its government to lift the long-standing ban on mature videogames by creating a new "R18+" rating for otherwise restricted titles. The ruling will allow retailers, both online and offline, to sell games that would otherwise be refused certification.
The R18+ rating was previously held back by former South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson, who argued that games with mature content had a negative impact on Australian society, thus leaving much of Australia's gaming public to wallow in a pool of kid-friendly games.
Australia's new R18+ rating is comparable to the "Mature" rating from the Electronic Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) 18 rating.
The lack of an R18+ certification caused numerous titles in Australia to face complete bans. The headline title Fallout 3 was refused classification for a while due to its inclusion of in-game drug use. A resubmitted version that removed the incentives and reward of drug use finally allowed the game to see publication in the region.
Speaking to news.com.au, Australian Home Affairs Minister Jason Claire called the reforms important and lauded the decision. "The R18+ category will inform consumers, parents, and retailers about which games are not suitable for minors to play and will prevent minors from purchasing unsuitable material. The reforms also mean that adults are able to choose what games they play within the bounds of the law."
The new rating will pass in January 1, 2013.
