Fallout 3 IS happning

[Tiger74]

I have pre-ordered my collector's edn:

Fallout 3: Collectors Edition >> PC Games

Now I just have to wait till damn October.

[ElPresidente]

As dire as my concerns are over how Bethesda could potentially rape this franchise to death with the release of Fallout 3... a Vault Boy Bobble-head... well I can't pass that or a Fallout lunchbox up I'm afriad.

Oh and it would also be cool if my fears were unfounded. I really do want this to be a goodun.

[The Silencer]

Sure hope F3 is rad! (pun)

[t0p5ecret]

pre ordered the collectors edition

[Spectre8]

Pilfered this from Internode:

There are currently rumours flying all around the place about Fallout 3, and the status of its release in Australia. It seems that someone has a friend with a big mouth who works for the Classifications Operations Branch (see: OFLC), and this friend has recently seen Fallout 3 go through the initial stages of the review process. This is all part of the game being classified for an Australian release, currently scheduled for October this year, for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

According to this person's friend, Fallout 3 "has been refused classification" - effectively banned in Australia.

Technically, at this stage, the statement is completely not true, simply because the board have not yet finished with the game, and no decision has been made.

It's well known that the Fallout series isn't necessarily the most pacifist, it can get a bit violent, a bit nasty, there's some blood involved, the occasional bit of decapitation... but this doesn't seem to be the problem. According to the alleged source, part of the new game involves the use of morphine - possibly as a stimpack or healthpack - and it's this, not the violence, that has gotten the board a bit upset.

Apparently, if a film was made with the level of morphine use included in Fallout 3, there would be no hesitation labelling the movie R18+, restricting it to adults over the age of 18. Carrying this concept across to video games, which lack an R18+ rating in Australia, the game should be refused classification, as the behaviour is inappropriate for a game rated MA15+ (suitable for "mature adults" 15 years and older, currently the highest level of classification in this country).

It's a compelling argument, drug use is not an unfamiliar topic for the Fallout series, with both earlier games including the use of the in-game substance Jet as well as a varying range of other stimulants that would boost characters' health and character attributes. Both the earlier titles were classified M.

I had a bit of a chat with a representative of the Classification Operations Board, and she chuckled when I told her the stories that were circulating, and then confirmed that while the game has been submitted to the board, no decision has been reached on a classification at this stage. While we were unable to discuss specifics, she explained that the game had been submitted at the end of June, and the Board now has 20 days to reach a decision. Once this decision had been made, it would be posted on their website, and - if necessary - Australian distributors Red Ant would be given the opportunity to appeal, or have the game edited and resubmitted.

While it's unlikely to take the full three weeks to reach a conclusion, it's possible we may be waiting for a few weeks before seeing any concrete outcome in this saga. Sit tight, as soon as we hear officially one way or the other, we'll let you know.

[FunkyJ]

It's official - it is banned.
It's Official: Fallout 3 Refused Classification In Australia | Kotaku Australia

And the reason:
OFLC Report: Why Fallout 3 Was Banned In Australia | Kotaku Australia


You can voice your opinion to the OLFC
The Classification Board and Classification Review Board

And email your state AGs (find them online), Michael Atkinson (Attorney-General@agd.sa.gov.au) and local members of parliament.
Find your electorate here. Find your member here.
Find your member's contact details here.



Be sure to be courteous and brief, and avoid personal attacks and swear words, and include your full name and address in all correspondence.

[The Silencer]

Give it time.

[FunkyJ]

We've given it 8 years.

I am so thoroughly pissed off at the moment.

It's a good thing violent games don't make people do violent things, considering I'm heading to Adelaide next week and know where Atkinson hangs out...

[The Silencer]

You know what I meant FunkyJ

[TickledBlue]

Is it really banned?

I've got this, perhaps misguided, concept that as its being refused classification it cannot be sold in Australia. Fine distinction, but maybe I've got that wrong.

Does it prevent us from importing the game ourselves via on overseas purchase?