Fallout 3 Banned In Australia Due To "Real-World" Drug Use

Fallout 3

Yesterday, it came to our attention that Australia's Office of Film and Literature Classification had decided not to issue a rating for Fallout 3, effectively banning it from going on sale in the country. But the big question was: why? Some said it was the gore, others believed it was the drug use, and the winner is...

Ding, ding, ding! Drug use. According to Kotaku, the OFLC's problem centered firmly on the use of the game's "chems," which function like power-ups. Obviously, this was too close to promoting illegal drug use for the organization's tastes, and this is why Fallout 3 won't be coming out in Australia. Well, not unless Bethesda opts for a serious editing session. Here's the official reason from the OFLC:

"Corresponding with the list of various 'chems' are small visual representation of the drugs, these include syringes, tablets, pill bottles, a crack-type pipe and blister packs. In the Board's view these realistic visual representations of drugs and their delivery method bring the 'science-fiction' drugs in line with 'real-world' drugs."

American gamers needn't be concerned; the ESRB will likely just slap the "M" (Mature) rating on there and call it a day. But if you're an Aussie, you're out of luck unless Bethesda addresses the OFLC's concerns.

Related Game(s): Fallout 3

7/10/2008 Ben Dutka

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