Hunter x Hunter Game Blocked in Australia: Outrage Ensues

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, the anticipated fighting game, has been banned in Australia by the Australian Classification Board, receiving a Refused Classification rating. This decision, issued December 1st, came without explanation.

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Blocked from Australian Release

Refused Classification Rating

The Refused Classification (RC) designation prevents the game's sale, rental, advertisement, or import into Australia. The board stated that the content surpasses the limits of even the R18+ and X18+ ratings, violating generally accepted community standards.

While the criteria for an RC rating are generally clear, the decision regarding Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact is surprising. The game's launch trailer displayed typical fighting game content, devoid of explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use. However, unshown content may be the cause, or potentially correctable errors.

Appealing Refused Classification: A Track Record

Australia's classification board has a history of banning games, sometimes later overturning those decisions. Past examples include Pocket Gal 2 and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, both initially banned for sexual content but later reclassified after modifications.

The board demonstrates flexibility. Games have successfully appealed RC ratings by editing content, censoring elements, or providing sufficient justification. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut and Outlast 2 are prime examples, having secured ratings after addressing concerns about drug use and sexual violence, respectively.

The Australian Classification Board's decision on Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact isn't necessarily final. The developer or publisher can appeal by justifying the content or making changes to meet classification standards. The possibility of a future release in Australia remains open.