Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, the anticipated fighting game, has been banned in Australia by the Australian Classification Board, receiving a Refused Classification rating. This decision, made on December 1st, came without explanation.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Blocked from Australian Release
Refused Classification Rating
The Refused Classification (RC) means the game cannot be sold, rented, advertised, or imported legally in Australia. The board states that RC-rated content violates generally accepted community standards and surpasses the limits of even the R18+ and X18+ ratings.While the reasons for an RC rating are typically clear, this decision is surprising. The game's launch trailer shows no explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use; it appears to be a standard fighting game. However, unshown content may be the cause, or there could be correctable errors.
A Chance for Reconsideration
Australia has a history of banning games, sometimes later overturning these decisions. The Classification Board's past actions show flexibility. Games like The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings initially received an RC rating but were later reclassified after edits.
The board is open to reconsidering if developers make changes. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut and Outlast 2 are examples of games initially refused but later approved after modifications addressing drug use and sexual violence respectively.
Therefore, the Australian ban on Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact isn't necessarily final. The developers could appeal the decision by justifying the content or making adjustments to meet classification standards. The possibility of a future release in Australia remains open.
