Consumers who have read the discussion paper on the gaming classification issue welcome the allowance of an R18+ rating whereby restrictions still remain over some games.
According to Gametraders, games such as the Japanese Rapelay would not be allowed in Australia even if an R18+ rating system was given the go-ahead.

Gametraders’ Marketing Manager, Chad Polley, said, “Many adult gamers would welcome this form of compromise if it meant that an R18+ rating system for games was finally put into place in Australia. Our adult customers are not seeking seedy games by demanding an R18+ rating. They are after the same, mainstream popular games, such as Grand Theft Auto IV and Fallout 3, that our overseas counterparts can purchase freely and unedited,” he said.

Polley added that games edited to fit the MA15+ rating may not be suitable for 15-year-olds.

“An R18+ rating system is therefore more responsible,” added Polley.

“We would like to encourage adult gamers to go to our website to view the Government’s discussion paper on this issue. They can then make submissions to be considered by the Government as perhaps one of the most powerful ways to influence change in the classification system,” said Polley.

The discussion paper states: “This is your opportunity to tell the Australian and the State and Territory Governments your views before they consider whether the current situation should be changed.”

There is currently an R18+ rating for film while the gaming industry continues to gather momentum as an entertainment force on a par in popularity with the movie industry, yet it is not granted the same range in classification.

“We just want the inconsistencies ironed out. It should be equal across the board,” added Polley.