Nen Impact Banned in Australia

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia: A Fight for Classification

The Australian Classification Board's refusal to classify Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, effectively banning its release in Australia, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community. The December 1st decision, issued with no explanation, leaves gamers and developers alike questioning the reasoning behind the Refused Classification (RC) rating.

Refused Classification: What it Means

An RC rating means the game is prohibited from sale, rental, advertisement, and import within Australia. The board states that RC-rated content surpasses the acceptable limits of even the R 18+ and X 18+ categories, exceeding generally accepted community standards.

This decision is surprising, considering the game's official trailer lacks overt sexually explicit content, graphic violence, or drug use – presenting itself as a standard fighting game. However, unshown content within the game itself may be the cause, or potentially, correctable clerical errors.

A History of Overruled Bans

Australia's classification board isn't unfamiliar with controversy. Numerous games have faced bans, with some eventually overturned after revisions. Examples include Pocket Gal 2, initially banned for nudity and sexual content, and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, whose RC was lifted after modifications to a specific quest.

The board has demonstrated a willingness to reconsider its decisions. Games like Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (initially banned for drug use) and Outlast 2 (modified to remove a scene of sexual violence) received revised ratings after addressing problematic content.

Hope Remains for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact

The ban isn't necessarily final. The developer or publisher can appeal the decision by providing content justifications or making alterations to meet classification standards. This could involve removing or censoring specific elements deemed objectionable.

The lack of transparency surrounding the initial refusal highlights the need for clearer communication from the Australian Classification Board. The gaming community awaits further information and the potential for a future appeal.