Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia, No Reason Given

The Australian Classification Board has unexpectedly banned Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, assigning it a Refused Classification rating. This decision, made on December 1st, has left many puzzled, as no reason was provided for the ban. Let's delve into this surprising news and explore the game's potential future in Australia.

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact—Not Coming to Australia (For Now)

Refused Classification Rating

While the general criteria for a Refused Classification are well-defined, this decision is surprising. The game's official trailer depicts typical fighting game fare, devoid of explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use. This raises questions about potentially unseen content within the game itself, or perhaps even clerical errors that could be rectified.

A Second Chance? The Australian Classification Board's History

Australia's history with game classifications is extensive, with numerous titles facing bans and subsequent appeals. From Pocket Gal 2 in 1996 (featuring nudity and sexual activity) to The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (initially banned for similar reasons), the board has a track record of both strict enforcement and reconsideration. The Witcher 2, for example, had its Refused Classification overturned after modifications to a specific side quest, resulting in an MA 15+ rating.

The board's willingness to reconsider classifications is evident in other cases. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, initially refused classification due to drug use depictions, ultimately received approval after its portrayal of the negative consequences was deemed acceptable. Similarly, Outlast 2 secured an R18+ rating after modifications removed a scene containing sexual violence. These examples highlight the possibility of successfully appealing a Refused Classification by addressing explicit content or removing sensitive material.

Therefore, the ban on Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact doesn't necessarily signal a permanent exclusion from the Australian market. The developer or publisher could potentially appeal the decision by providing content justifications or implementing changes to align with the board's classification standards. The future of the game in Australia remains uncertain, but the possibility of a revised rating remains open.