Netflix Anime Pulled from Australia

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia: A Mystery Unfolds

The Australian Classification Board's refusal to classify Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, resulting in a Refused Classification (RC) rating on December 1st, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community. The lack of explanation accompanying the decision has fueled speculation and uncertainty regarding the game's future in Australia.

A Refused Classification: What it Means

An RC rating effectively prohibits the sale, rental, advertisement, and import of the game within Australia. The board's statement indicates the content surpasses the acceptable limits of even the R 18+ and X 18+ ratings, suggesting the presence of material deemed outside generally accepted community standards.

This decision is surprising, given the initial promotional material. The game's trailer showcased typical fighting game fare, devoid of explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use. However, undisclosed elements within the game itself may be the cause for concern. Alternatively, clerical errors could be a factor, potentially correctable to allow for reclassification.

Hope for a Reconsideration

Australia's classification board has a history of both banning games and subsequently overturning those decisions following modifications. Past examples include Pocket Gal 2 and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, both initially banned for explicit content but later reclassified after adjustments. The board has demonstrated a willingness to reconsider if developers address concerns through content edits, censorship, or sufficient justification.

Several games have successfully navigated this process. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, initially refused classification due to its depiction of drug use, was later approved after its portrayal of the negative consequences was deemed acceptable. Similarly, modifications to Outlast 2, removing a scene of sexual violence, secured an R18+ rating.

The Australian Classification Board's decision isn't necessarily the final word for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact. The developer and publisher retain the opportunity to appeal the decision by providing justifications for the content or implementing changes to align with classification standards. The future of the game in Australia hinges on their response to the board's concerns.