Hunter x Hunter Mobile Game Faces Ban in Australia

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia – Unclear Reasons

The Australian Classification Board (ACB) has issued a Refused Classification (RC) rating to the upcoming fighting game, Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, effectively banning its release in Australia. The ACB provided no explanation for this decision, a surprising development given the game's seemingly standard fighting game presentation.

The RC rating prohibits the game's sale, hire, advertisement, or import into Australia. The ACB states that RC-rated content surpasses the acceptable limits of even the R18+ and X18+ categories, falling outside generally accepted community standards.

While the game's official trailer shows no explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use, unseen elements within the game might be the cause for concern. Alternatively, the refusal could stem from technical issues correctable prior to resubmission for classification.

Hope for Australian Release Remains

Australia has a history of initially banning games, only to later overturn the decision following modifications. Previous examples include Pocket Gal 2 and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, both initially refused classification but later approved after revisions. The ACB has demonstrated a willingness to reconsider RC ratings if developers modify content or provide sufficient justification.

Games like Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (initially refused due to drug use depiction) and Outlast 2 (modified to remove a scene of sexual violence) successfully navigated the ACB's process after addressing problematic content.

Therefore, the Australian ban on Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact isn't necessarily final. The developer or publisher can appeal the decision by providing explanations for the content or making alterations to meet the ACB's standards. The future of the game in Australia hinges on this potential appeal and subsequent review.