Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, the anticipated fighting game, has been banned in Australia by the Australian Classification Board, receiving a Refused Classification rating. This decision, made on December 1st, came without explanation.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Blocked from Australian Release
Refused Classification Rating
The Refused Classification (RC) rating prevents the game's sale, rental, advertisement, or import into Australia. The board stated that the content is beyond generally accepted community standards, exceeding the limits of even the R 18+ and X 18+ ratings.While the reasons for an RC rating are usually clear, this decision is surprising. The game's launch trailer doesn't depict explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use; it appears to be a standard fighting game. However, unshown content might be the cause, or possibly clerical errors that could be rectified.
A Chance for Appeal
Australia has a history of game bans, some later overturned. The Classification Board has demonstrated a willingness to reconsider its decisions if developers make changes. Past examples include The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings and Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, which initially received RC ratings but were later reclassified after modifications. Outlast 2 also underwent changes to secure an R18+ rating.
The Australian Classification Board's process allows for appeals. If the developers address concerns by modifying or removing content, or provide sufficient justification, Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact might yet see release in Australia. The possibility of a future reclassification remains open.
