The saga of Left 4 Dead 2 in Australia continues today as news arrives via wearetheinternetz stating that the Australian Classification Board has once again refused the shooter classification.
A three-member panel of the Classification Review Board (the Review Board) has unanimously determined that the computer game Left 4 Dead 2 is classified RC (Refused Classification).

In the Review Board's opinion, Left 4 Dead 2 could not be accommodated within the MA 15+ classification. The computer game contains a level of violence which is high in impact, prolonged, repeated frequently and realistic within the context of the game.

In addition, it was the Review Board's opinion that there was insufficient delineation between the depiction of general zombie figures and the human figures, as opposed to the clearly fictional 'infected' characters. This was a major consideration of the Review Board in determining the impact of this game on minors.

Computer games classified RC cannot be sold, hired, advertised or demonstrated in Australia.
It's now highly likely that Valve will have to release a severely toned-down version of the game in this territory.

Left 4 Dead 2 -- now with tickling sticks instead of chainsaws.



Bryn says: This isn't a surprise. And it does suck for Australian gamers. I suppose the only course of action will be to either suck it up and play a censored version, or import the original release of the game from a different source.