Fallout 3 Banned in Australia

**Phobius** · 10-07-08, 07:47 PM

If you don't know yet, Fallout 3 has been officially banned in Australia by the OFLC. Starting from the initial rumors we all wanted to downplay as myth:

To the official announcement by the OFLC that the game has indeed been reviewed and refused classification (RC) in Australia:

To the rather banal reasoning given to the public as to why the game is not acceptable for release:

... the game is officially not coming out in our great southern land; at least not in its intended, unadulterated state. I for one am extremely disappointed with this news, as I have already pre-ordered and paid for the collectors edition, which may not even be sold anymore. I will most likely get my money back, but I have two questions for the good people of this board.

1. Do you believe that the classification (or refusal thereof) of Fallout 3 is just for the drug themes that play an integral part in the gameplay (as it did in the first two parts)?

2. What are some ways to get the unedited (read: U.S.A.) version of this game?

The second question is relevant only because it is my personal understanding that if one orders a game from the U.S.A. that has been refused classification in Australia, customs will confiscate it. I know that downloading from a vendor like Steam is an option, but I really want a hard-copy with the disc and bonus stuff... as I'm sure most of you do as well.

**RHCP** · 10-07-08, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Phobius

2. What are some ways to get the unedited (read: U.S.A.) version of this game?

The second question is relevant only because it is my personal understanding that if one orders a game from the U.S.A. that has been refused classification in Australia, customs will confiscate it. I know that downloading from a vendor like Steam is an option, but I really want a hard-copy with the disc and bonus stuff... as I'm sure most of you do as well.

I never got into the series, but i seriously doubt they would check the contents of every package - the group you order from would probably just mark it with a generic name (if it has to be named) so it doesn't draw attention...could probably order it from playasia or one of those sites. If you're really paranoid, could use a site like priceusa and get them to repackage it.

People give customs too much credit, i've ordered plants from overseas (not little seeds) and they have gotten through each time....

RHCP.

**bucket** · 10-07-08, 11:21 PM

I wouldn't worry about customs too much as long as your supplier will send it to you without labeling it as fallout 3.

If I can order in a banned toy replica gun without any problems you should be able to sneak a dvd or two passed the xray machines

**Phobius** · 11-07-08, 08:57 PM

Ok, seeing as both of you guys (RHCP and bucket) has successfully thwarted the customs system, I suppose I shall attempt to purchase it from an American vendor. Although, I don't think it'll be a very good idea for me to order the Collectors or Survival edition as a big metal box with a clock in it may send the troops in for a closer look =).

**roguefan99** · 12-07-08, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by Phobius

To the rather banal reasoning given to the public as to why the game is not acceptable for release:

... the game is officially not coming out in our great southern land; at least not in its intended, unadulterated state. I for one am extremely disappointed with this news, as I have already pre-ordered and paid for the collectors edition, which may not even be sold anymore. I will most likely get my money back, but I have two questions for the good people of this board.

1. Do you believe that the classification (or refusal thereof) of Fallout 3 is just for the drug themes that play an integral part in the gameplay (as it did in the first two parts)?

There has been a closer examination of the ratings board in recent times. As for the banning of the game because it uses a restriced substance, this is inline with previous decisions that they have made banning games such a Vietnam:1969 (I think thats the title), Blitz the League and Narc. If there is "reward" or a way of using the drug to improve yourself in the game it will instantly get an RC, which is exactly the way it works in Fallout 3. Whilst it might be an integral part of the game, the rating board has rules set down by the Federal and State Governments (yes both governments do the policy now) and it has followed them to the letter. It would be interesting to see what they did if they named the drug something else, it maybe allowed then (e.g. Haze). I'm guessing this will be the first action by Bethesda software to get around the problem of the classification.

Personally I think anyone who hasn't written to the Classification board and their local member as well as the Attorney General for their state, shouldn't be whinging about ratings. I remember posting here suggesting people write in to the review board when they had their chance (it was last year or the year before) because they were looking at reviewing policy and instigating an R rating. From memory I only got a couple of people interested in doing so, so I guess the gamers get what we deserve. BTW I dont agree with the policy, but its the law Johnnie Howard installed, so its the one we have to follow unless we make our voices loud enough.

2. What are some ways to get the unedited (read: U.S.A.) version of this game?

The second question is relevant only because it is my personal understanding that if one orders a game from the U.S.A. that has been refused classification in Australia, customs will confiscate it. I know that downloading from a vendor like Steam is an option, but I really want a hard-copy with the disc and bonus stuff... as I'm sure most of you do as well.[/QUOTE]

Got a mate going overseas then you could get it that way, probably eaiser to smuggle it back in. But like it was said before just buy it from another country and get it in that way. I would expect the game will be done exactly the same, its just Morphine will be called "Panadol" or something (hmm there is a nice way of marketing, sell the drug rights off to a company).

**hoe** · 12-07-08, 02:40 PM

Got a mate going overseas then you could get it that way, probably easier to smuggle it back in. But like it was said before just buy it from another country and get it in that way.

try a pm to a forum member like Jonc, who lives in thailand......

i am sure there are patched pirate copies over there by now....

**bucket** · 13-07-08, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by rougefan

Personally I think anyone who hasn't written to the Classification board and their local member as well as the Attorney General for their state, shouldn't be whinging about ratings. I remember posting here suggesting people write in to the review board when they had their chance (it was last year or the year before) because they were looking at reviewing policy and instigating an R rating. From memory I only got a couple of people interested in doing so, so I guess the gamers get what we deserve. BTW I dont agree with the policy, but its the law Johnnie Howard installed, so its the one we have to follow unless we make our voices loud enough.

Didn't think it was a Johnnie problem, Isn't the standing commitee of AGs currently reviewing community feedback on this? I thought they the ones who are required to push through a ratings change.

As far as I can tell, people can write and protest themselves until their fingers fall off. As long as Michael Atkinson is an AG we wont be seeing an R rating for games.

If there is "reward" or a way of using the drug to improve yourself in the game it will instantly get an RC

Biohazard made it through & you can kill babies.

**roguefan99** · 14-07-08, 01:06 AM