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, made on December 1st, came without explanation.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Blocked from Australian Release
Refused Classification Rating
The Refused Classification (RC) rating prevents the game's sale, rental, advertisement, or import into Australia. The board stated that the content violates generally accepted community standards and surpasses the limits of even the R 18+ and X 18+ categories.While the reasons for RC ratings are generally clear, this decision is surprising. The game's promotional trailer shows typical fighting game content, devoid of explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use. However, unshown content might be the cause, or perhaps correctable errors exist.
Appealing the Decision: A Path Forward
Australia's history with game classifications includes bans and subsequent reversals. The Classification Board has a track record of reconsidering decisions following content modifications or justifications. Past examples include The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings and Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, which initially received RC ratings but were later approved after adjustments.
Similarly, Outlast 2 secured an R18+ rating after removing a scene of sexual violence. By modifying or justifying potentially problematic content, developers can often overturn RC decisions.
Therefore, the Australian ban on Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact isn't necessarily final. The developers or publisher can appeal the decision by providing content justifications or making alterations to meet classification standards. The possibility of the game eventually releasing in Australia remains open.
