Valve To Appeal Left 4 Dead 2 Australian "Ban"

Australia's Office of Film and Literature Classification has had a contentious history when it comes to handling violent video games. Unlike the United States' ESRB, video games require a mandatory rating before they're qualified for sale in this country and many of the more "adult" titles routinely come into problems when they skirt too close to the line; Fallout 3 was restricted for release because of "drug references" and had to change morphine to Med-X to pass, for example. Because Australia has no rating for video games above 15+, a title that would fall under that category is instead "refused classification" and becomes illegal for sale in the country. Australia has no 18+ tier for video games due to the "pioneering" campaigning of South Australia's illustrious Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson (pictured to the right courtesy of Gizmodo, who captured him wearing his true form), who remains the sole voice of opposition to the program under laws that require unanimous consent before they can be passed. (The good politician is also responsible for being a roadblock to a governmental poll on whether or not Australian citizens want an 18+ rating, although third party efforts have shown that they overwhelmingly do.)

The most recent title to come under fire is Valve's gratuitous zombie action/thriller Left 4 Dead 2. Although the original game was classified without incident, its sequel has been denied at present. As is usually the case, Valve will likely make a handful of arbitrary changes to satisfy the OFLC, and in the meantime they've stated that they intend to appeal the decision.

Contrary to how it's commonly reported in the media, however, being refused classification doesn't technically constitute a ban. It just means the game cannot be sold in Australia-- a ban would imply even possession to be against the law. (Non-classified games can be owned without issue, the restriction is just on retailers selling them). There are plenty of other methods to still purchase Left 4 Dead in case it's not released here in time for the US' November 17th launch, and you're likely to end up with it on your computer earlier than any Australian release, anyway.