No R18+ rating to blame for GTA IV cuts in Australia: Rockstar

Rockstar says cuts to Aussie version of GTA IV are "not significant"; calls for introduction of R18+ rating for games in Australia.

By Randolph Ramsay, GameSpot AU

Last week, news reports surfaced that Rockstar was forced to censor the Australian version of Grand Theft Auto IV in order to ensure it passed through the country's strict classification regime. A statement released today from the company confirms that Rockstar did indeed submit an edited version of Grand Theft Auto IV to Australia's classification board, with the developer laying the blame squarely on Australia's lack of an R18+ rating for games as the reason for the changes.

While Rockstar did not divulge exactly what modifications have been made to the Aussie version of GTA IV, the statement said those changes were "not significant". "While there are some minor differences between the Australian and US/EU versions, they are not significant and we do not believe they take away from the level of scope and detail that make GTA IV such an incredible experience. We would not release the game in Australia if we believed these differences compromised the quality of the game in any way," Rockstar said.

According to Rockstar, edits were required to GTA IV to ensure it would pass under Australia's highest classification for games, MA15+. Unlike other forms of media which have an R18+ rating (meaning it's restricted for sale to adults 18 years or older), games in Australia have to be rated MA15+ or lower in order to be legally sold in the country. "Unlike the US and Europe, Australia still lacks an R18+ rating for video games and as a result many games are edited for release in Australia, including most previous Grand Theft Auto releases," the statement said.

"We strongly support the Office of Film and Literature Classification and will continue to work within their guidelines; however we believe the government needs to bring games in line with other media by introducing an R18+ rating, or edits to games will continue to be necessary. We encourage consumers to let their politicians know that they support an R18+ rating for games."

yeah i know its freakin really crap. Its kinda like the recall of GTA:SA for pc due to being able to mod it to see the having "It" and being able to change positions and stuff......

Me and a few other mates shelled out $130 ea for the pre order for the 360 version and now we are getting ripped off with a censored version...... really really peeved at that decission.

I think all aussies gamers including myself are extremely annoyed by this. Im even thinking of going back and getting my money back and not buying this at all.

Ow man that has to stink for yall especially the ones who pre ordered it.

Thats such bullshite. Still, they said the changes weren't significant.

I love the statement at the end about politicians, priceless.

if they decided to tell us this before pre order was avaible it would have been nice....

On 10-Apr-2008 SilentGamer said:

yeah i know its freakin really crap. Its kinda like the recall of GTA:SA for pc due to being able to mod it to see the having "It" and being able to change positions and stuff......

Me and a few other mates shelled out $130 ea for the pre order for the 360 version and now we are getting ripped off with a censored version...... really really peeved at that decission.

I think all aussies gamers including myself are extremely annoyed by this. Im even thinking of going back and getting my money back and not buying this at all.

Haha,sorry SG

But Austailia is more strict than US

Mad

Well, it used to be a place fo british prisoners, so it must be pretty strict.
It may cost more, but why not import it?