Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia: A Surprising Development
The Australian Classification Board's decision to refuse classification for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact has sent shockwaves through the gaming community. This effectively bans the game's release in Australia, with no official reason provided. The Refused Classification (RC) rating means the game cannot be sold, rented, advertised, or imported legally within the country. The board cites content exceeding even the R18+ and X18+ rating limits, though the reasons remain undisclosed.
The initial trailer showed no overt sexually explicit content, graphic violence, or drug use, leading to speculation about the nature of the objectionable material. Possible explanations include unanticipated explicit content not shown in the trailer or potential clerical errors in the submission.
A History of Overruled Bans
This isn't the first time the Australian Classification Board has banned games, only to later overturn the decision. Past examples include Pocket Gal 2 and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, both initially banned for sexual content. However, modifications and appeals led to reclassifications. The board has demonstrated a willingness to reconsider its rulings if developers address concerns through editing, censorship, or providing sufficient justification for the content.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut and Outlast 2 serve as further examples. Disco Elysium successfully appealed its RC rating by contextualizing its depiction of drug use, while Outlast 2 secured an R18+ rating after removing a scene of sexual violence.
Hope for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact
The ban isn't necessarily final. The developer or publisher can appeal the decision by either justifying the existing content or making modifications to meet classification standards. The Australian Classification Board's past actions suggest a possibility of a future reclassification, depending on the nature of the undisclosed issues.
