IndustryGamers - Informing the Games Industry

Aliens vs. Predator Decapitated Down Under

Posted December 4, 2009 by David Radd

Germany and Australia are the two toughest places to be an adult gamer in the Western world, considering the government’s propensity in both countries to ban certain games. While it seemed likely that Germany’s BPjM would ban Aliens vs. Predator, Australia’s Classification Operations Board has beaten them to the punch, refusing to classify the game based upon its extreme level of violence (including impalement, decapitation and dismemberment).

Many Australian gamers feel like this colonial marine.

As a result of this, Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley issued a statement about the ruling, indicating that the game would not be censored for an Australian release.

"Rebellion is disappointed that its upcoming title Aliens vs. Predator has been banned in Australia. 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,” said Kingsley to CVG. "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."

David Radd has worked as a gaming journalist since 2004 at sites such as GamerFeed, Gigex and GameDaily Biz.