"Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia Without Explanation"

The Australian Classification Board has issued a surprising Refused Classification rating for the upcoming fighting game, Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, effectively banning its release in Australia as of December 1. This decision, shrouded in mystery since no explicit reason was provided by the board, leaves fans and developers puzzled about the future of the game in the region.

Hunter x Hunter Not Releasing in Australia

Rated with Refused Classification

The Refused Classification rating signifies that Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact "cannot be sold, hired, advertised or legally imported in Australia." According to the board, content receiving this rating "contains content that is outside generally-accepted community standards and exceeds what can be included in the R 18+ and X 18+ ratings." While the criteria for such a classification are typically clear, the game's official trailer displayed none of the usual red flags like graphic violence, drug use, or sexually explicit scenes, making the board's decision all the more unexpected.

It's possible that the game includes content not shown in the trailer, or there might be clerical errors that could be rectified in future submissions. This leaves room for hope that the game could still see the light of day in Australia with some modifications.

The Australian Classification Board is Open to Second Chances

Australia's history with game bans is not new, with the first game, Pocket Gal 2, being banned in 1996 for its sexual content. Even high-profile titles like The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings faced initial bans due to similar issues but were later reclassified to MA 15+ after content adjustments. The Australian Classification Board has shown a willingness to reconsider its decisions if games are edited or censored to meet community standards.

For instance, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut was initially refused classification due to its depiction of drug use but was later deemed acceptable after highlighting the negative consequences of such actions. Similarly, Outlast 2 managed to secure an R18+ rating after modifying a scene involving sexual violence.

This precedent suggests that Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact still has a chance to be released in Australia. If the developers or publishers can justify the game's content or make necessary adjustments to align with the board's standards, a reevaluation could lead to a more favorable classification. This isn't the end of the road for fans hoping to enjoy the game in Australia; it's merely a detour that could lead to a successful release with the right modifications.