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Australian Classification Board Denies Rating for Halloween: The Game
Illfonic, the studio renowned for its previous titles like Friday the 13th and Predator Hunting Grounds, is set to unveil its latest venture, Halloween: The Game, on September 9. This multiplayer horror experience features an asymmetrical gameplay style where one player embodies the infamous masked killer, Michael Myers, while others assume the roles of unsuspecting survivors. However, players in Australia will face a significant hurdle: they will be unable to purchase the game.
In a recent announcement via its Halloween: The Game X account, Illfonic confirmed that the Australian Classification Board has denied the game a rating. The studio expressed its disappointment, stating, “Despite every effort on our part, the Australian Classification Board has denied Halloween: The Game a rating.”
According to a report from Bloody Disgusting, which referenced horror influencer Slash ‘N Cast, one of the game’s mechanics involves using marijuana as a survivor, allowing players to temporarily detect Michael Myers’ movements on the map. This particular feature is likely a contributing factor to the game’s classification challenges, as the ratings system aims to restrict content that includes illicit drug use tied to gameplay incentives.
In an effort to gain further clarity, inquiries were made to Illfonic regarding potential adjustments to the game’s content for the Australian market. Historical precedents exist where studios, such as Bethesda and Obsidian, have modified game elements to meet classification standards, while others, like Devolver, have opted to maintain their original content, resulting in titles like Hotline Miami 2 remaining unavailable in Australia.
In July, the game received an automated R18+ rating, but the Classification Board has yet to publish a formal decision regarding Halloween: The Game. A spokesperson from the Board noted, “When making decisions, the Board, approved classification tools or accredited classifiers apply the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the National Classification Code, and the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2023.” These guidelines are accessible for public review on the official classification website.
According to the Board’s regulations, “Games containing illicit drug use related to incentives or rewards cannot be accommodated within the R18+ classification category and must be Refused Classification under the Guidelines.” This statement aligns with the current situation, as listings for Halloween: The Game have vanished from major Australian retailers, including EB Games and JB Hi-Fi, and the game’s landing page is no longer accessible on the PlayStation Store. While Steam has yet to take action regarding the ban, it is anticipated that this will soon follow suit.
