Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia: A Surprising Development
The Australian Classification Board's Refused Classification (RC) rating for the upcoming fighting game, Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, has sparked surprise and uncertainty. The decision, made on December 1st, came without explanation.
Refused Classification: What it Means
An RC rating effectively prevents the game's sale, hire, advertisement, or import into Australia. The board's statement indicates the content surpasses the limits of even the R 18+ and X 18+ categories, exceeding generally accepted community standards.
While the trailer shows typical fighting game fare—no explicit sex, graphic violence, or drug use—unseen content may be the cause. Alternatively, clerical errors could be responsible.
A History of Reclassification in Australia
Australia's classification board isn't unfamiliar with bans and subsequent reversals. Games like Pocket Gal 2 and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings faced initial bans for explicit content, but revisions led to reclassification.
The board demonstrates a willingness to reconsider decisions if developers make adjustments. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut and Outlast 2, for example, received RC ratings initially but secured alternative ratings after content modifications.
Hope for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact
The Australian ban doesn't necessarily signal the game's permanent exclusion. The developers or publisher could appeal the decision by providing content justifications or implementing edits to meet classification requirements. The outcome remains uncertain, but a reversal is possible.
