Mortal Kombat Banned in Australia

By Cinderkin — February 25, 2011
Tags: mortal-kombat news

Mortal Kombat has been refused classification in Australia, meaning that the game is effectively banned in that territory. Which will piss of a lot of Aussie Gamers, but will add another game to the list of banned ones.

Warner Bros. issued a statement to Kotaku, detailing the situation: "The highly anticipated video game Mortal Kombat, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) in Australia, has been refused classification by the Australian Classification Board and will not release in Australia. We are extremely disappointed that Mortal Kombat, one of the world’s oldest and most successful video games franchises, will not be available to mature Australian gamers. WBIE would not market mature content where it is not appropriate for the audience. We understand that not all content is for every audience, but there is an audience for mature gaming content and it would make more sense to have the R18+ classification in Australia. As a member of the iGEA, WBIE is reviewing all options available at this time."

This highlights "the shortcomings of the current classification scheme" in Australia said Ron Curry, CEO of the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association.

"As with many other forms of media, there is a demand and place for an adult themed narrative. We trust adults with this material in other media forms, yet deny them similar access simply because it’s a ‘game’. We would not accept the argument that because it’s “unsuitable for a minor to see or play” that it should therefore be banned in any other media form, so why video games?" Curry continued.

Mortal Kombat will no longer see release in Australia unfortunately, which I know a few of My Australian friends won't be happy. Mortal Kombat will still be available in North America on April 19th and Europe on April 21st.

Tell us what you think in the comments and Don't be a Jimmy! Also be sure to pre order you copy now.

Mortal Kombat