Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia: A Mystery Unfolds
The Australian Classification Board's refusal to classify Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, resulting in a Refused Classification rating on December 1st, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community. The lack of a stated reason behind this decision is particularly puzzling.
A Refused Classification: What it Means
A Refused Classification (RC) means the game is prohibited from sale, rental, advertisement, or import within Australia. The board's statement indicates the content surpasses the acceptable limits of even the R 18+ and X 18+ ratings, exceeding generally accepted community standards.
This decision is surprising, given the initial trailer's lack of overtly sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use. The trailer depicts a typical fighting game. However, undisclosed content within the game itself may be the cause. Alternatively, there could be correctable errors affecting the classification.
Second Chances and Past Precedents
Australia's classification board has a history of banning games, sometimes later overturning these decisions following modifications. Games like Pocket Gal 2 and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings faced similar bans initially, but were later reclassified after adjustments.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut and Outlast 2 provide further examples. Disco Elysium successfully appealed its initial RC by justifying its depiction of drug use, while Outlast 2 secured an R18+ rating after removing a scene of sexual violence.
Hope for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact
The ban isn't necessarily final. The developer or publisher can appeal the decision by providing justifications for the content or by making modifications to comply with Australian classification standards. The future of Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact in Australia remains uncertain, pending further action.
