14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier today, we saw that Rebellion's upcoming resurrection of the Aliens vs Predator series, in all its gore and glory, wouldn't be allowed access onto Australian soil in its current form. The country's rating board decided that the game was not suitable for an MA15+ rating, and, since there is no higher rating available for video games in Australia, the game won't be sold here. Its developers were quick to respond to the Board's decision, and even agreed with their decision in a way. The fact that AvP is a violent, terrifying and visually explicit game was not contested.
Still, that doesn't mean that the company is content with the decision. "Rebellion is disappointed that its upcoming title Aliens vs. Predator has been banned in Australia," Jason Kingsley, Rebellion's CEO, said. "However, as we understand the law in that country the authorities had no choice as we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults." But Rebellion has no intention of taking this sitting down either, and, while the company does agree that the game shouldn't be played by children, it does make some very lashing accusations at the Australian government that made this decision.
Kingsley added that, "The content of AvP is based on some of the most innovative and iconic horror movies, and as such we wanted to create a title that was true to the source material. It is for adults, and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent. We will not be releasing a sanitized or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices."
So, while we're happy to hear a public voice speak exactly what's on our minds as well, even though it's in a far more elegant and restrained manner, we are disappointed and sympathetic towards our fellow Australian gamers. While Rebellion's decision to not tamper with the game content is most likely the right one, as far as creative expression goes, this unfortunately means that the title will never make its way to Australia. One that found itself in a similar situation, one of many actually, was Left 4 Dead 2, but with its own game, Valve was willing to cut some corners and make a toned-down version of the shooter.