Australian R18+ classification talks canned

In Australia, we have a little problem with video game censorship. Any games that aren’t suitable for people over the age of 18 can’t be released in the country, which is a bit odd considering the average age of the Australian gamer is 30. The good news is that a solution is simple, by introducing an R18+ classification Australian adults will be able to play video games designed for them, a privelage most of the world currently enjoy.

The ball is rolling and it seems work is being done to fill this hole in Australian classification law – but like everything political there is a process that must be followed. I’m sure there is much more to it, but for simplicities sake I’ll condense it to this – the state and territory Attorney Generals must get together, create a pros and cons list (read: discussion paper) and vote unanimously in favour of introducing an R18 classification rating for video games.

Don’t worry that the Attorney Generals are ill-informed and believe the same rubbish that others may spew, before they make such a decision they look deeply into research, statistics and whatever else can assist them in making an accurate and correct decision for all Australians. In addition to this, members of the Australian public will be invited to comment on the issue giving the Attorney Generals some live feedback on what is going on in our hearts and minds, and with the Interactive Australia 2009 report containing survey data showing that a majority of Australian’s (91%, in fact) are in favour of an R18+ classification for games –  it’s beginning to look like this slow, long winded process may soon come to an end.

The bad news is that the process required to correct this problem is itself a little flawed, and can be manipulated in some rather alarming ways. 

Enter Michael Atkinson, Attorney General for South Australia.

Fallout 3 street date broken, finally!

So it might not be as big a score as getting your hands on LBP a few weeks early, but if you happen to have the afternoon off work and would like to start your post apocalyptic journey sooner (today) rather than later (tomorrow), it might be less hassle than expected. 

Although the official release date is hard coded at 31/10/08, lucky reader Mark has managed to get his hands on his copy today. Although they didn’t have stock on shelves, JB Kedron were happy enough to hand a copy over – I guess the massive embargo, as one JB staff member put it, hasn’t convinced everyone.

EB Games, staying true to their formula have declined to sell the game early or at a reasonable price, and are asking $119 as apose to JB’s $89.

Gametraders Chermside (and assumably other stores) have the game in stock and on shelves today, also priced at $89.

So there you have it, if anyone needs to get a copy a day early you do have options.