Push for game category reivew

CENTRO Tweed EB Games manager Will Whitaker supports the petition to bring an R18+ classification category to video games in Australia.

Crystal Spencer

Poll

Should there be an R18+ classification for video games?

This poll ended on 30 November 2010.

Yes

94%

No

3%

Undecided

1%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

TWEED’S three EB Games stores have joined a national campaign to bring an R18+ classification category to computer games.

EB Games Centro Tweed, Tweed City and Sunnyside Mall in Murwillumbah have petitions in store aimed at persuading the Australian Classifications Board to allow the advanced rating.

Australian classifications for video games currently do not go past MA15+.

Centro Tweed EB Games manager Will Whitaker said customers had rallied behind the cause.

“We’ve had a lot of people come in to throw their support behind the cause,” Mr Whitaker said.

“It’s not really to get more violent games brought to Australia, but a better choice for gamers out there.

“Anyone and everyone is welcome in store to sign. Or they can do it online.”

Recently, zombie-slaying title Left 4 Dead 2 was initially denied classification in Australia because of a high level of violence.

Developers were forced to release an edited version with all mutilations taken out.

Upcoming release Alien Vs Predator was initially banned because of violence involving graphic depictions of mutilation.

The decision was overturned on appeal and will be rated MA15+ when released.

The petition is in response to a recent federal government discussion paper.

EB Games marketing director Steve Wilson said the petition was not a call for violent video games.

“It’s a call for a better classification system that brings Australia in line with the rest of the world and other Australian entertainment industries, such as films,” Mr Wilson said.

“With the release of the government’s discussion paper, we knew as a company that we needed to act on this issue as it continues to cripple our industry and cost local jobs.

“We did however want to be sure that our customers were as passionate about the matter as we are.”

A previous survey conducted by EB Games about the R18+ classification showed 84 per cent of people were for it.

“Our customers have sent us a message loud and clear that this is an issue that needs to be addressed, and we only get one shot at this,” Mr Wilson said.

“Once this government paper is closed, it could be many years before we get another chance to voice our opinion on this issue. The time to be heard is now.”

Southern Cross University Centre for Children and Young People senior research fellow Dr Renata Phelps said introducing the R18+ rating on video games would not stop young people from accessing them.

“Most adults hold valid concerns about young people accessing extremely violent and/or sexual material,” Dr Phelps said.

“Of course, society needs to identify ways to protect young people from this type of inappropriate content.

“Ideally, we need young people to develop good positive cultures where they self-regulate their own and each others’ gaming activities.”

Sign the petition online at ebgames.com.au or sign in-store at Centro Tweed, Tweed City or Sunnyside Mall in Murwillumbah. The cut-off date is Sunday.

Patrick Williams is also the video game reviewer for the Gold Coast Mail. His reviews are published every Thursday.

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