One of the most obnoxious, reviled, and hated ratings systems in the world is the Australian Classification Board. Why? Because they oftentimes ban games for some of the most asinine reasons imaginable. However, things could be changing as they recently announced that they will be taking feedback from the general public as they update their regulations and ratings systems.
The announcement actually came from the Twitter account that monitors games being refused classification in Australia known as Ref Classification. They informed the public that they have until Wednesday, February 19th, 2020 to make their voices heard.
Next Wednesday 19th @ 5 pmhttps://t.co/403HQD8izp
— Ref Classification (@RefusedC) February 14, 2020
So how exactly do you make your voice heard?
Well, it originally opened up on January 8th, 2020 over on the Communications.gov.au website.
There you can click on “Have Your Say Now” at the bottom of the page to submit your letter, or you can e-mail a completed template submission to [email protected].
If you really want to get the point across you can also snail mail the classification branch at the Department of Communications and the Arts by sending the letter to the following address:
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Classification Branch
Department of Communications and the Arts
Locked Bag 3, HAYMARKET NSW 1240
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As noted on the website, the reason for opening up the feedback form to the public was due to the changing times. They explain on the site…
“The current system was not designed to manage changing technologies or the large volumes of content now available via streaming services, online game storefronts and other content platforms.
On 16 December 2019, the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts released terms of reference for a review of Australia’s classification regulation.
“This review seeks to develop a classification framework that meets community needs and reflects today’s digital environment.”
With all the games that have been banned in recent years for sometimes nebulous or outdated reasons, it might be do gamers well to pick a game that was refused classification and explain why the reason for the refusal is archaic, anti-consumer, or not reflective of today’s market sensibilities.
A few games that come to mind are Omega Labyrinth Z, The Grisaia Trilogy, Hotline Miami 2 and Valkyrie Drive: Bhikkhuni.
Whether or not the feedback from fans will have an actual effect on how future games are rated in Australia is anyone’s guess, but it wouldn’t hurt to try.
(Thanks for the news tip Ebicentre)
