The Australian Classification Board has delivered a surprising blow to fans of the popular anime series by banning the upcoming fighting game, Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact. The game received a Refused Classification rating on December 1, effectively barring its release in Australia. The board's decision comes without any explicit reasons, leaving both fans and developers in the dark about the specific content that led to this ruling.
Rated with Refused Classification
The Refused Classification rating is a stringent measure that prohibits the sale, rental, advertisement, or legal importation of the game in Australia. According to the board, content that earns this rating falls outside generally accepted community standards and exceeds the limits set for R 18+ and X 18+ ratings. This decision is particularly surprising given that the game's official introduction trailer, which showcases typical fighting game elements, does not feature any sexually explicit scenes, graphic violence, or drug use.
However, it's possible that the game contains content beyond what is visible in the trailer, or there may be clerical errors that could be addressed in future submissions for classification. This leaves room for the possibility that Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact could still see the light of day in Australia if adjustments are made.
The Australian Classification Board is Open to Second Chances
Australia has a history of banning games only to later overturn these decisions. From 1996 to the present, numerous games have faced similar fates, such as Pocket Gal 2, which was banned due to sexual content, and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, which initially received a Refused Classification for its incentives and rewards related to sexual content. However, after editing a side quest, The Witcher 2 was reclassified to MA 15+.
The Australian Classification Board has shown willingness to reconsider its decisions if games are edited or if content is adequately justified. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, for instance, was initially refused classification due to its depiction of drug use but later received approval after it was demonstrated that the game highlighted the negative consequences of such behavior. Similarly, Outlast 2 was able to secure an R18+ rating after modifying a scene involving sexual violence.
This precedent suggests that Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact could still have a future in Australia. If the developers or publishers provide justifications for the game's content or opt to censor or remove specific elements, the board may reconsider its decision. This leaves hope that fans in Australia might eventually get to experience the thrill of Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact.
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