Australia, August 3, 2008 - Many Aussies were devastated by last month's news that Fallout 3 had been refused classification (effectively banning it from release). There have been several casualties of Australia's archaic videogame ratings system over the years but few have been as highly anticipated as Fallout 3 (picked as IGN's Game of Show at this year's E3). Speaking to retail today we were told that Fallout 3 will be released mid-October with its references to specific drugs altered.
The reason Fallout 3 was banned was because it contained references to real drugs like morphine. It is likely that all Bethesda has had to do is rename the drugs as fictional substances to allow it to be successfully classified for sale.
We checked with Australia's Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) and it hasn't relisted Fallout 3 since the board initially refused classification of the title. Given that the game would need to be resubmitted and fully examined once again, the process understandably could take some time. As such, we're not surprised that the game hasn't yet been classified. As soon as this changes however, you'll know.
We also approached Fallout 3's local distributor, Red-Ant, about the rumoured modification and release date but their representatives were unwilling to comment.
Assuming these retail reports prove true it will be disappointing that Australian gamers have suffered yet another censorship but having Fallout 3 released locally in October with a relatively minor modification is better than not getting the game at all. We'll let you know as soon as we get confirmation on Fallout 3's Aussie status.
http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/896/896091p1.html
Well hopefully these reports are accurate, although with our classification system I want be holding my breath on Fallout 3 getting a local release.
