Graffiti game banned in Australia
Friday, February 17, 2006
TheOffice of Film & Literature Classification Review BoardinAustraliahas refused to classifyMarc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure.The computer game's premise is a future world where freedom of expression is suppressed by a tyrannical city government and to win the game the player has to express his message throughgraffiti. The decision was made by 5 members who voted 3/5 against the classification of the game; Ms Maureen Shelley, the convenor, broke the deadlock on the grounds it encourages crime. The game cannot be sold, demonstrated, hired or imported without a classification. Australia is the only country to ban the game so far. The decision comes even thoughOFLCguidelines state that adults may hear, read and see what they wish.
The game was originally rated MA15+ for Strong violence, and strong themes on 18 November 2005.
Other games to be banned in Australia includePostalandBMX XXX,while 'Combat: Task Force 121', a game whose premise involves shooting people to defend US interests from Marxist rebels[1] was rated M (below the maximum rating of MA for a video game in Australia) and is therefore available to buy by anyone of any age.
Atari Australia, the games localdistributorhas said it strongly disagrees with the outcome and they defend the original MA rating "We are definitely investigating all our options at the moment. If we can appeal it we will," said Mr David Wildgoose, public relations manager atAtari. Any action to be taken would take place after they receive the Review Board's written decision. Mark Eckohas been also expressed his point of view “I am extremely disappointed in the Australian Government Classification Review Board’s move to ban my video game... based solely on a perceived notion that it somehow will promote the crime of graffiti.”
Ms Maureen Shelley, when questioned on her decision by the ABC’sLateline,said she didn’t need proof that video games encourage crime—only that she thought they could.
Sources
- By Stephen Hutcheon, Louisa Hearn and David Braithwaite. "Australia bans graffiti game"—The Sydney Morning Hearld,February 16, 2006
- Atari Australia responds to OFLC Review Board ruling. "GETTING UP BANNED FROM SALE IN AUSTRALIA"—Atari Press Release,February 16, 2006
