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

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, the anticipated fighting game, has been banned in Australia by the Australian Classification Board, receiving a Refused Classification rating. This decision, made on December 1st, came without explanation.

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned Down Under

Refused Classification: A Game's Australian Exile

While the reasons for an RC rating are generally clear, this decision is surprising. The game's launch trailer showed no explicit content, excessive violence, or drug use—typical elements of a fighting game. However, unshown content may be the cause, or there might be correctable errors.

A Second Chance? Australia's Classification Board History

Australia has a history of banning games, sometimes later overturning those decisions. Games like Pocket Gal 2 and even The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings initially faced bans, but after modifications, received different ratings.

The board demonstrates flexibility. If developers edit or censor content, or adequately justify its inclusion, the RC rating can be overturned. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut and Outlast 2, for example, saw their initial RC ratings reversed after addressing concerns about drug use and sexual violence, respectively.

Therefore, the Australian ban isn't necessarily the final word for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact. The developer or publisher could appeal the decision by justifying the content or making changes to meet classification standards.