Spooky-ooky coming-of-age story Life Is Strange 2 has run into bother with the Australian Classification Board and can be faraway from sale down beneath for a couple of fortnight whereas they type this out. If you have already got it on PC (known as a ‘compo’ or ‘pozza’ in Australia, in all probability), you’re grand. The builders don’t say precisely what the dispute is about, however I’d wager it’s right down to one thing which has occurred in later episodes of the collection. Possibly a drug. Oh no.
“Life Is Strange 2 will be unavailable to purchase on ALL platforms as well as re-download on PS4 for approximately 2 weeks from Wednesday onwards, while we work with the Australian age ratings board (ACB) to review age ratings,” the game’s Twitter mentioned yesterday.
“This situation is temporary and only affects Australian digital storefronts. We will restore service asap and will keep you updated with any developments,” they added.
They didn’t specify why the rankings are being re-reviewed.
The Australian Classification Board solely have a listing the primary episode of the 5 episodes (4 of that are out up to now). They gave it a score of M (Mature) which signifies works “contain content of a moderate impact and are recommended for teenagers aged 15 years and over.” An M score has no authorized restriction, thoughts, so kiddywinkles can readily purchase it.
Lots has occurred for the reason that first episode, and a few of it has been fairly intense. Drugs are all the time a bugbear with the Australian Classification Board and the third episode does see teenagers having a wee choof whereas engaged on an unlawful marijuana farm in a forest. But loads of the game is simply, nicely, mature. I received’t get into spoilers (Alice Bee and Brendy have chatted about episodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 if you happen to’re curious) however, y’know, life is heavy in addition to unusual.
I might not be wholly shocked to see Life Is Strange 2 reemerge down beneath with an MA 15+ classification, which does carry a authorized restriction. That’s only a guess, thoughts. Perhaps they do object strenuously to the youngsters having a choof on the doof.
Australia solely launched an adults-only rating in 2013, and haven’t been afraid to successfully ban games there by refusing classification. This usually comes right down to medicine, inflicting bother for games from Fallout to DayZ. We Happy Few needed to appeal to get approval due to it containing medicine which, whereas admittedly fuelling a nightmarish and murderous dystopia, have been helpful as in-game gadgets. Not essentially the most nuanced view, that Board.
