Illicit deeds have just gotten a new Halloween video game banned in Australia – and it’s not because of the violence

Classification Standards in Australia: A Mismatch Between Community and Classification Standards

The recent ban of Halloween: The Game in Australia due to its depiction of illicit drug use highlights a long-standing issue with the country's classification standards. The guidelines for the classification of computer games 2023 state that video games are refused classification if they contain 'illicit or proscribed drug use related to incentives or rewards.' In the case of Halloween: The Game, the Classification Board deemed the use of marijuana as a gameplay advantage to be a reason for the game's refusal of classification.

This decision has sparked controversy and raised questions about the assumptions behind the classification system. Claire Henry, associate professor in screen at Flinders University, notes that the board enforced the guidelines correctly but the controversy highlights a mismatch between community standards and classification standards.

The Impact of Interactivity on Classification

The focus on interactivity in games has driven the classification system to prioritize the potential for harm or detriment, particularly to minors. However, research has shown that interactivity may not increase the impact of video games, particularly in regards to violent content. Margaret Anderson, a former director of the Classification Board, points out that the huge focus on interactivity in games drove her nuts during her seven years on the board.

The Incoherence of the Classification System

The current classification system is not just preventing access to games, but it is also incoherent. Often, the standards are not clear, and the decision-making process is not transparent. The ban of Halloween: The Game is a prime example of this incoherence. The game's ability to allow players to smoke marijuana to detect an enemy is deemed a 'gameplay advantage,' but the same game's depiction of violence is not considered a reason for refusal of classification.

The Need for Reform

The controversy surrounding the ban of Halloween: The Game highlights the need for reform in the classification system. The current system is not suitable for adults, and it is time to rethink the assumptions behind it. The classification system should prioritize the needs and preferences of adults, rather than relying on outdated assumptions about the impact of video games.