Australian Lobby Group Seeks Ban For Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2The leaked footage of terrorists attacking civilians in an airport in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has touched on a sensitive nerve around the world, despite Activision's response to the outrage.
According to Kotaku, one group in Australia is demanding the game be re-rated. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian Council on Children and the Media wants to see a higher rating than the currently held MA 15+, even though that's as high as a rating can go in the land down under. ACCM president Jane Roberts complains that if the game releases with this rating, it would be made available to kids under the age of 15 but maybe she forgets that if the game can't be given an MA 15+, it won't be given a rating at all and hence, won't be sold. Basically, she's asking for the game to be banned in Australia. Said Roberts:
"We understand that it's a game but...we're not far off when you look at the images that you could actually put it on a Channel Nine news report and you'd think maybe that is real. The consequences of terrorism are just abhorrent in our community and yet here we are with a product that's meant to be passed off as a leisure time activity, actually promoting what most world leaders speak out publicly against."
Unfortunately for Roberts - and fortunately for Activision and Infinity Ward - it appears such demands are falling on deaf ears. The Australian Classification Board has already responded and simply said they "could not review its own decisions." Of course, this won't stop the oncoming tide of resentment and concern over the game, but it'll likely do wonders for game sales.
Related Game(s): Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
10/30/2009 10:13:27 AM Ben Dutka
Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter
Comments (73 posts)
BlackBriar
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 6:18:31 PM
Last edited by BlackBriar on 10/30/2009 6:19:39 PM
4 up, 0 down
Lazytrappin
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 7:37:07 PM
3 up, 1 down
Highlander
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:39:15 AM
Reply
Ratings agencies are more than likely always going to be harder on them than movies, and the general public will always have a lingering thought that games are for kids, which will guide the agencies in their thinking about how hard to be on games.
It doesn't matter how old or mature the average gamer is according to the demographics, certain things don't seem to want to change. So perhaps, the industry needs to accept that and move forwards without continually running into the same brick walls?
5 up, 3 down
maxpontiac
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:20:24 AM
Children play video games. My case in point would be to even see how many posters on this site alone under 17 will be playing COD MW2.
For the uneducated, events that unfold in MW2 will immeadiately draw a red flag.
I believe gaming developers need procede slower then movie studios when it comes to introducing adult themes into any title. And yes, to the gamer, game developers have moved slow. But not slow enough.
Why? It's all about the rating system, and how it doesn't work.
I honestly believe that the video game industry has a whole would benefit immensely from a complete restructer of the ratings system.
For example ---
- Why was a title such as Sacred 2 with little to no swearing, blood that could be turned off, and story that was low on adult themes recieve an "M" rating, while Uncharted 2 was more adult oriented in every regard and yet was given a "T" rating? Please.
Any non-gamer can pick the inconsistencies there, and all it does is spoon feed the media with ammunition. I believe that until the rating system is repaired (yes, it's broken), games with events like the one that is depicted in MW2 will do more harm then good.
Last edited by maxpontiac on 10/30/2009 11:25:06 AM
4 up, 0 down
Highlander
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:42:31 AM
Great point about the ratings. You are completely correct sir. Personally I think the movie ratings system in the US is broken beyond repair also, but that's not the issue here. Game ratings do need to reflect the actual content, and be consistent.
I wish that it were otherwise, but until society in general wakes up to the fact that just live movies there are games for kids, games for grown ups and games that fall somewhere in between...until that awareness happens, people will continue to imagine 5 year olds playing MW2 or GTA4. It sucks, but that's what many less informed people will think, and that will continue to guide politicians and ratings boards.
4 up, 0 down
chewy102
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 12:27:12 PM
1 up, 0 down
frostface
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:39:47 AM
Reply
Sounds more visually impressive than Uncharted 2.
But really, there has been nothing in the build up to this game's release that suggests that it's aimed for children. Its an adult game dealing with adult content, let the adults decide what they can or cannot play. This Roberts one sounds like a control freak telling grown men (and women) that they're not allowed to watch or play this game. I'd hate to grow up in her house.
6 up, 4 down
frostface
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:48:27 AM
Last edited by frostface on 10/30/2009 10:48:58 AM
4 up, 2 down
Wage SLAVES
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:14:00 AM
Last edited by Wage SLAVES on 10/30/2009 11:14:12 AM
3 up, 0 down
Highlander
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:54:23 AM
Have you seen Uncharted 2 running on a standard def TV? The footage in the TV commercials looks photo-realistic on a standard TV, it's actually odd how realistic it looks. My wife and I were watching TV on our older TV yesterday and the Uncharted 2 commercial played. I've played the game through nearly 3 times now, and yet on that older TV, the leap onto the train in particular looks like a real stunt performer jumping onto and clambering up the side of a train.
MW2 might go further on photo realism , but in terms of character movement and all the incidental facial and body animations I think Uncharted 2 has set a very high mark for bringing realistic movement to an in-game character.
7 up, 0 down
www
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 12:26:52 PM
3 up, 0 down
johnld
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 6:59:39 PM
0 up, 0 down
LowKey
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:46:10 AM
Reply
Last edited by LowKey on 10/30/2009 10:46:43 AM
3 up, 1 down
Gabriel013
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:59:16 AM
Reply
Some people seem to be so stupid that they can't wrap their heads round the fact that normal healthy people can abhored by something in real life but not find it aborent in a video game because it is a work of fiction. Similarly with movies.
I am glad to see that she is being ignored.
2 up, 0 down
Naztycuts
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:12:47 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:49:43 AM
That realism in games is one of the things I personally think we could tone down. Perhaps we need to go with a more artistic style, whether that's cell shading, cartoony, exaggerated characters, bright colors, etc... Whatever it is, something makes it visually clear that this is a game would be beneficial in combating the stupidity of the mass media and politicians in general because it would make it harder for them to claim that the game realistically portrayed anything or was a 'murder simulator'.
Then again, when you're taking bullet after bullet and duck down behind a box for a minute or two of waiting for your health to recover before once again taking on a gauntlet of enemies with ammo clips that are inexhaustible if it's not clear you're playing a game, you need to be committed.
2 up, 2 down
Naztycuts
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 2:48:45 PM
2 up, 0 down
Highlander
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 3:42:31 PM
2 up, 1 down
Dancemachine55
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 8:34:52 PM
Even though you literally use your Wii remote to throw guys around, decapitate, drive spikes through them, etc, etc, no one had a problem with it. And why?
Madworld has a comic-book style. Black and White with some red for blood. And because the whole thing looks cartoony, no one had a problem with the extreme violence in it.
Highlander, you are right on the money with this one. The more realistic the portrayal of sex and violence, the more controversy is going to be stirred up. It's a sad fact, but because of all these uninformed, completely oblivious politicians and parents, violence and sex in games may soon go the way of cartoon or comic book style just to cater to those few children with bad parents who don't monitor what they play.
It's such a shame that we live in a society where the minority get greater say over the majority. And they call this democracy?
1 up, 0 down
Wage SLAVES
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:20:40 AM
Reply
6 up, 2 down
Jawknee
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:59:58 AM
10 up, 4 down
LowKey
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 12:52:34 PM
3 up, 1 down
Dancemachine55
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 8:43:24 PM
Bowling for Columbine always comes to mind. Look at the death-by-gunshot statistics throughout the world.
You know, there are other ways to protect yourself other than with a gun. Police are great, advanced lock systems for your house and car are available, or just be smart and avoid the dangerous areas.
Guns cause trouble, they are not the solution to trouble.
Now, in regard to games in Australia, I am so glad to see all your sympathy and support on the matter. But video games continue to be seen as a child's toy, hence the enormous sales of the Wii.
I believe it will take years before video games will be accepted as adult entertainment as well, alongside film and magazines. But everyone is still in the mindframe that it is for kids and that being interactive art makes it dangerous to portray certain violent or sexual things in real life.
Here's hoping we see a gamer in politics in about 10 years from now.
3 up, 1 down
Wage SLAVES
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:23:26 PM
Columbine would have been cut in an instant if teachers and other adults had firearms. However, those guys knew they had targets that couldn't fight back.
You guys are being forced censorship upon you as far as gaming. If one man is doing it that pisses me off for you guys even more. From what I understand and have heard you have some sweet people down there. I just think these guys are taking advantage of it.
4 up, 2 down
Jawknee
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 10:57:43 AM
Guns are dangerous but so is a knife or a car. If handled properly and by responsible people they can and are used for good. Also Governments in history who turned oppressive have often taken the guns away from their people as a first step towards tyranny. "it's for your own safety" they said. I encourage you to look at the numbers. Contast the rate of violance in places with stricter guns laws with those who have more relaxed laws. Guarantee the places or states with sticter laws have higher rates of violent crimes and will run counter to everything Michael Moore has said. The man is a liar and a hypocrite. Â
Wage is correct about Columbine. Another example. Verginia Tech. Had some of the teachers and staff been trained and allowed to carry, that nutter Korean kid who murdered 30+ of his fellow students wouldn't have killed that many. Some one would have died but he would have, could have been shot him well before he claimed 30 lives. Â
In regards to games, it's just where it starts. Thank God here in the states content like games, movies and media in generel are all protected by the first amendment. Censorship here is still a cause for concern but it makes it that much harder for them to implement.  Â
Last edited by Jawknee on 10/31/2009 11:38:15 AM
2 up, 1 down
mastiffchild
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 2:30:12 PM
I fail to see how shootings become less likely if everyone has access to guns. Most violent crimes that end in an attempt on someone's lifeare between people who kno each other, mainly family matters and are crimes of [passion as the French would say. They don't have malice aforethought so consequences either immediate(the other person being possibly armed too) or more long terms(death penalties, life in jail) don't enter the perp's head. Duns being there just makes a death more likely and escalation of situations more likely.
If I kept a gun in the house in case of a burglar it makes the burglars more likely to carry guns in the first place-again more likely that there's going to be a shooting and with shootings nwanted and unwarranted killings. Moreover it's just as likely to be that whoever burgles the house, whether I'm there or not, might gind the gun themselves and turn in on me or on others-and no matter how it's lovked away both this and the awful prospect of a kid coming across the gun gets more likely.
We have to rememver, also, that the mass killings of a Columbine make up only a tiny percentage of guncrime in any country-you look at hoe and why most gun crime happens and change things accordingly from there rather than react on a showcase, emotive one off-as hard as that may seem. Thje way I see it though is that if there weren't freely avaiable guns it wouldn't even have crossed the minds of those doing the shooting at Columbine. Would a teacher being harmed have mattered that much anyway? Mostly when these things happen the killers usually turn on themselves in the end and are beyond reason anyway so just preventing guns flowing like water seems a good idea to me.
Whatever, I know US opinion on guns is very different to that of wesern Europeans nd the like but, really, the right to opwn a gun is no form of extra freedom if most of your society agrees that you shouldn't have them anyway-most of the UK still agrees that our police shouldn't be roputinely armed ffs! In that respect I dn't see how the majority acting against something can be an infringement on peoples rights. Whee would we draw the line on the "right" to bear arms anyway? Assiming that it refers to the indivigual rather than independent states just what arms would we allow? Best, imho, to have an ultimate and disallow guns except those kept exteremely securely at shooting clubs and with those who really hace a reason for them-the miliatary, farmers with vermin issues etc.
Whether we agree or not I'm sure you'll at least admit it's not a black and white issue at all and at the very least needs a lot more study and tinkering worldwide before any kind of balance can be reached. Personally, though, I like to keep my guns in my games and not where they can do what they're made for in the real world.
1 up, 2 down
JMO_INDY
Monday, November 02, 2009 @ 7:52:34 PM
Last edited by JMO_INDY on 11/2/2009 7:55:41 PM
1 up, 0 down
Random_Steve
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:28:28 AM
Reply
how many more wonders concerning sales can this game be given? its unfair that a game like this will sell so much but a game like the original uncharted or RFOM only sold a fraction of what this game will.
0 up, 0 down
LittleBigMidget
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:49:59 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Qubex
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:54:50 AM
Q!
"i am home"
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:58:41 AM
Reply
Doesn't suprise me. Aussie is known to heavly regulate games and other types of media.
2 up, 0 down
LowKey
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 1:06:22 PM
0 up, 0 down
Hezzron
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 7:09:44 PM
2 up, 0 down
Kr3sn1k
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 7:56:58 PM
0 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 8:46:34 PM
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 11:00:12 AM
1 up, 0 down
Nynja
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 12:07:41 PM
Reply
Really? I wasn't aware that Modern Warfare 2 pits the player as a terrorist. And here I thought the whole time I would be fighting terrorists in the game.
0 up, 0 down
Random_Steve
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 12:13:48 PM
0 up, 0 down
LegendaryWolfeh
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 1:41:30 PM
you're an agent who goes undercover as a terrorist and it's your choice to kill or not also.
3 up, 0 down
Nynja
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 2:37:01 PM
Then again, I don't live there so I care that much less.
1 up, 3 down
Douchebaguette
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 12:16:40 PM
Reply
2 up, 2 down
rogergent
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 1:00:29 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 2:58:50 PM
The statist knows best. If they think MW2 is too violent for kids then everyone must suffer. Perfect example, the statists in the California legislature attempted to outlaw home schooling. Why? Because they believe the children are better off being taught by them and not their stupid knuckle dragging parents.
Last edited by Jawknee on 10/30/2009 3:11:05 PM
1 up, 2 down
SILVERAMMO
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 3:14:08 PM
Reply
1 up, 2 down
Jawknee
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 3:38:18 PM
1 up, 2 down
Naztycuts
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 3:39:35 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
Banky A
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 3:51:29 PM
Reply
They better not ban another GOW for their PS3 fan's sake.
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 3:59:54 PM
1 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 5:11:20 PM
Reply
3 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 5:46:31 PM
Last edited by Jawknee on 10/30/2009 5:48:53 PM
3 up, 1 down
Dancemachine55
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 8:51:41 PM
Sadly, all states in Australia have agreed to an R18+ rating for video games in Australia, but South Australia continues to oppose it because of this one man. Until all states agree on it, it cannot be implemented.
0 up, 0 down
Gordo
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 5:22:07 PM
Reply
There is talk of trying to get a MA17+ or MA18+ rating but this has been held up by a certain South Australian religious politician that holds a veto and doesn't want the youth "corrupted" further.
So we have an arcane games rating system, a few vigorous "family" groups like above and the usual hysterical media that likes nothing more than a moral rant to increase their circulation.
The politicians are also trying to push through an Internet filter as well which is all part of the wider picture.
Looking at my games on my shelf MGS4, GTAIV, COD4 MW (what is it with all the fours?) and Uncharted 2 - all MA15+
So history shows that MW2 would have got through with a MA15+ just like the rest.
As a married man with kids I find the whole ratings system very insulting and old fashioned.
I don't mind personally for MW2 but respect everyones right to play an uncut version.
If they touch Heavy Rain in a few months I will be livid!
3 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 5:47:32 PM
2 up, 0 down
JMO_INDY
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 8:36:58 PM
1 up, 1 down
Dancemachine55
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 8:58:03 PM
Think about it. Kids around 14, 15 can access GTA IV, MGS4, Madworld, etc. But with an R18+ rating, its a little harder, its not advertised during the day on tv or radio or in magazines kids have access to.
R18+ restricts it further and yet allows adults access to the uncut content, cos by that age, adults can make their own decisions as to what they can or cannot handle in electronic entertainment.
Video games will sadly be seen as childrens toys for a few years to come, specailly here in Australia. Until the old farts leave and the new generation steps in, the government will continue to rule out adult content for the sake of the children.
1 up, 0 down
SHADOW [Moderator]
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 6:27:14 PM
Reply
Basically they'd be forcing Blizzivision to eat the costs of all that stuff because they're rating board decided to change their mind with 10 days til release. That would be gross misuse of government power.
1 up, 1 down
Dancemachine55
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 9:01:44 PM
Remember, MA15+ is the highest rating for video games in Australia, anything above that means it cannot be sold.
And they wonder why our economy isn't popular with the rest of the world's... its cos Aussies are too busy importing and putting their money overseas.
0 up, 0 down
___________
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 12:27:48 AM
i know with vice city it was pulled from the shelf because it got banned after release, R* had to edit and re release it.
know what, i hope it does get banned that way may be bobby moneymouth will learn to keep his mouth shut.
i hope, but i wont hold my breath.
0 up, 0 down
Hezzron
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 7:12:42 PM
Reply
Now lets go back to waiting for MW2.
4 up, 0 down
JMO_INDY
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 8:26:14 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 9:04:32 PM
Reply
Blood will be toned down and all to meet the MA15+ criteria.
If you love video games, avoid Australia. Other than that, its a pretty cool place to be.
As a gamer, I finally have a credit card and internet shopping. Hooray for importing.
I'm sure everyone here had heard about Left 4 Dead 2 being censored in Australia? The original didn't meet the MA15+ criteria, so it had to be revised. Now everyone I know who likes Left 4 Dead 2 is importing it, which means less money for people like me at EB Games.
The lack of R18+ in video games is slowly killing the industry here in Australia. At the moment, casual gamers and parents buying for children are the only ones keeping us afloat. At Sydney EB, Wii and DS are the highest selling video game items amongst all ages. What does that tell you about us?
Last edited by Dancemachine55 on 10/30/2009 9:08:45 PM
1 up, 0 down
___________
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 12:24:01 AM
the baseball bat is the only weapon that dismembers heads, preorder from EB and you get the baseball bat as a reward.
0 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 6:55:30 AM
0 up, 0 down
___________
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 12:21:23 AM
Reply
anyway.
seriously, from now on guys im not a aussie.
i dont live in Australia, i live on the moon.
never have i been so embarrassed to call myself a aussie.
i seriously can not wait till ive finished tafe so i can get out of this god forsaken urine soaked hell hole!
i would honestly rather call myself a terrorist than a aussie.
at least they have some legitimacy.
betcha if VB was sponsoring this there would be no problems, bunch of fu**ing drunk bogans!
0 up, 1 down
Dancemachine55
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 7:03:08 AM
Look, apart from the whole video games ratings affair, and the fact that Australia is so far behind the world with technology and electronic entertainment, it's still a pretty cool place to live.
But, if you are approaching this from a hardcore gamers perspective, then I can understand your anger over this.
Just please don't insult the country I live in and love. Not all of us drink VB you know. (If you were to go by British intelligence, we're big lovers of Fosters. Just don't offer any to real Aussies, we like quality beer)
Don't get me wrong, in the video gaming world, all this L4D2 and MW2 stuff in the news has really brought down Australia's reputation and cred, and I am really unhappy bout all this.
But think, if this spreads like wildfire, more people are bound to listen and make a difference, convince people about the R18+ rating (or convince A person in South Australian politics) and finally end this embarassment.
Just don't insult a country or a person's culture, particularly over something as trivial as this. Grow up!!!!
0 up, 0 down
___________
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 8:11:39 AM
seriously, speaking to a few friends of mine who use to live in the US say it was 10 times better lviing in the US.
everything was cheaper.
everything was easier to use.
the public transport was on time (thats a massive problem for me since i need to get to ultimo by 7am and the train is ALWAYS late, if im not there by 7am i miss the whole days class, do that enough they kick you out for good.)
hell even speaking to my relatives in italy say the same thing, hell my next door neighbor just got back from the UK and said the same thing.
every website i go to, they can not believe were still using limited internet.
everyone i tell i have a 15GB monthly cap, 99% dont believe me because there unlimited is the norm.
i swear to god living here, its like where in a time hole or something, once you cross the sea time magically goes back 50 years.
no wonder were always the last to get everything.
hey, LA Noire is being developed here in Australia 15 minutes away from my work.
who wants to bet it will be released in the US first, even though its being freaking made here!
1 up, 0 down
newchef
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 10:09:47 AM
Reply
(p.s.-i didnt read all the comments so dont flame me if a bunch of of other people already said that)
0 up, 0 down
ceedot
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 12:34:44 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
AshT
Reply
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:36:56 AM
Last edited by AshT on 10/30/2009 10:37:21 AM