The OFLC has struck again and banned Fallout 3 from Australian shores.

The game contains the option to take a variety of drugs known as chems using a device which is connected to the character’s arm.
These chems have postive and some negative effects (lowering of intelligence, or the character may become addicted to the chem). The positive effects include increase in strength, stamina, resistance to damage, agility, and hit points. Corresponding with the list of various chems are small visual representations of the drugs; these include syringes, tablets, pill bottles, a crack-type pipe, and blister packs. In the Board’s view, these realistic visual representation of drugs and their delivery method bring the ‘science-fiction’ drugs in line with ‘real-world’ drugs.

As it stands Australia is the only developed nation without a R18+ rating for video games and until this changes I support the banning of any game that can’t be rated as a MA15+ game. While this sucks for the average game (studies show that the average gamer age is now 28) it’s better than letting kids/teens get a hold of a game that is clearly met for adult audiences.

So I’m moving to Canadia (not a typo) or something, so I can play adult games because apparently the OFLC doesn’t think we need a R18+ rating on games as games are for kids.

/facepalm

Update: Fallout 3 has been unbanned but some content had to be edited.

I think I’ll import my copy.