Last week we reported that the new Mortal Kombat has been banned in Australia, but this game won’t just go down without a fight.
Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) is appealing the Australian Classification Board’s (ACB) decision to refuse classification of Mortal Kombat, which effectively banned it from Australian shores. The highly anticipated fighting game is quite possibly one of the most famous franchises in video gaming. Known for it’s gratuitous violence, the new iteration has apparently taken things a step too far for the ACB. However, WBIE thinks otherwise, and is trying to get the ban overturned:
After careful consideration Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Australia have decided to appeal to the Australian Classification Review Board against the RC (Refused Classification) decision given to Mortal Kombat. After reviewing both the game play and the Board’s original decision WBIE Australia believe the violence in the game is on par with numerous other titles readily available for sale in the Australian market. As such the company wants to exhaust all options to make the game available to Mortal Kombat fans in this country. An identical version of the game will be submitted for appeal.
Considering a game like God of War 3 was able to garner a 15+ rating from the ACB last year, WBIE’s argument seems quite reasonable. God of War 3 has some of the most violent scenes ever seen in gaming, along with nudity and very adult themes throughout, yet managed to be approved. This isn’t the first time that WBIE has appealed such a decision and won either. In 2009, F.E.A.R 2 released on time in Australia without any changes being made to the game, after WBIE had to appeal a similar decision. Precedence such as this gives hope that Mortal Kombat will be able to get a 15+ rating, although it would make more sense to simply implement a 18+ rating within the country. Whatever the outcome, PlayStation LifeStyle will keep you posted as we learn more!
