Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge for Nintendo Wii U has been unveiled to become the first video game to hit Australian retailers with the R18+ label due to its “high impact bloody violence,” following an announcement by Classification Board director, Lesley O’Brien.
Nintendo is yet to confirm the official Australian launch date for the title, which was released in Europe today.
The R18+ category came into effect on January 1 after a decade of lobbying and activism by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) and gamers. Before this, Australia remained the only nation without the rating, despite a calculated average gamer age of 32.
“The classification guidelines for video games are now more closely aligned with the guidelines for film and TV which makes it easier for parents to make informed decisions about the interactive content they choose to buy and play,” IGEA CEO, Ron Curry, said.
“It’s great to finally see Australian adults have access to video games designed specifically for mature audiences, after more than10 years working with government, families, businesses and the broader community to introduce an R18+ category.”
Curry said that while it is important to keep an eye on ratings, IGEA encourages consumers, particularly parents, to research titles before making purchases.
Under the new legislation, R18+ joins existing G, PG, M and MA15+ video game classifications.
More to come.
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