Australia: "We want an 18+ Rating Classification for video games, now!"
This group is designed to help push the efforts to the creation of an R18+ classification for video games in Australia - which is currently the only democratic nation which does not have its own R18 rating for Video games.
The reason for this is so stems from the opposition from the Attorney-General of South Australia, Michael Atkinson - who is using his Veto powers to put the R18+ debate on indefinite hold.
How it is possible for one man to decide what is best and force his moral perspectives upon millions of Australians, despite opposition from the other attorney generals, other politicians, industry, as well as the general public is unheard of.
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There are many reasons why Australia needs an R18+ rating.
The average age of the gamer in Australia is between the ages of 28 to 30. Those who grew up with the energing industry now want games aimed towards their demographic. Video games are not simply for children as they were often viewed as in the 1980's to the late 1990's. Those children and teens are now Adults.
Games which are designed for adults with content that may be harmful to children or young teenagers are forced to be slightly censored in order to satisfy the next closest classification to R18+, Mature Audiences (MA15+).
The sale of MA15+ rated products is not restricted. Video Games intended for adult audiences are repackaged with enough alterations to enter the country as MA15+, and can be bought by children and teenagers.
An R18+ classification restricts retailers from selling games for adults to children. An R18+ classification may also assist parents in understanding what is inside the game.
The absence of an R18+ classification hurts local retailers and promotes piracy. Dedicated gamers who seek the unedited copies will often look overseas and through digital downloads, or will pirate the copy if other means are not available.
Video games are the only digital media which does not have an R18+ rating, where films do. Rob Hulls, Victoria's Attorney General has gone on record stating: "It seems inconsistent that Australians are allowed to view 'adult only' films, but not computer games with equivalent content'.
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We believe it is in our rights as those who pay our taxes which in turn pay the salary for those in the government to understand that as adults, as gamers and voters, we demand an R18+ rating. Video games are not just a platform for children, but are also for the working class.
If you support our cause, we need you to help in our initiative. Each of us can help to push this one step further at a time.
