GTA V gets R18+ rating in Australia
Aussie gamers can breathe a sigh of relief as the GTA V gets a R18+ rating in Australia by the Australian Classification Board. In early July, just after the banning of rival game, Saints Row 4 for implying sexual violence and drug use, Aussie GTA V fans had their knickers in twist after a gameplay trailer depicted protagonist Franklin leaving a medical marijuana shop swilling the contents of a bottle.
The classification board cited the game’s “high impact” drug use and strong impact sex, nudity, violence, language, and themes as motivators behind the R18+ rating. Now GTA is no stranger to the Aussie Classification Board, who pulled classification of GTA San Andreas when the Hot Coffee scandal was bought to the forefront. Rockstar Games rereleased an edited version of GTA San Andreas.
No doubt Australia’s introduction of a R18+ classification for games in January 2013 helped GTA V beat the censors and the good news is that the country’s games will be able to enjoy GTA V as R* intended it.
Australia, be prepared. There is plenty of killing, jacking cars, and sexing prostitutes in your future as you go in search of the American dream. California Dreaming.
