I sent this to the OFLC:
To whom it may concern
I am a 32 year old male who lives in South Australia and I am a father of two children of school going age.
I am employed fulltime. When I am not spending my free time with my family I, amongst other things, play computer games.
Over the past year, I have been following the development, and anticipating the release of a game called Fallout 3.
Fallout 3 is a computer game currently under development by an American based company called Bethesda Softworks. As the title suggests, it is part of the established Fallout series that was first released in 1997 (then developed by "Black Isle Games" and published by "Interplay"). The series is based on a post-apocalyptic world aimed at a mature audience with mature themes.
The themes visited by this series include Strong Violence, Sex, and Drug and Alcohol use. They are open world games that involve choices & consequences and they allow the player to tackle various situations using styles of play including combat, diplomacy and/or stealth.
The series draws it's inspiration from many areas including the Australian movie "Mad Max".
If you have received this correspondence from me it is because I believe that you have some influence over the classification of computer games in Australia. As I believe the previous statement to be true, I also make the assumption that you are aware of the fact that computer games in Australia may carry the maximum classification of "MA15+" unlike other forms of media.
On the 4th of July 2008, upon revue, the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) refused classification of this game rendering it unable to be sold in this country.
The reason for the refusal as stated by the board is as follows:
"The game contains the option to take a variety of "chems" using a device which is connected to the character's arm. Upon selection of the device a menu selection screen is displayed. Upon this screen is a list of "chems" that the player can take, by means of selection. These "chems" have positive effects and some negative effects (lowering of intelligence, or the character may become addicted to the "chem"). The positive effects include increase in strength, stamina, resistance to damage, agility and hit points.
Corresponding with the list of various "chems" are small visual representation of the drugs, these include syringes, tablets, pill bottles, a crack-type pipe and blister packs. In the Board's view these realistic visual representations of drugs and their delivery method bring the "science-fiction" drugs in line with "real-world" drugs."
It goes on to cite that the use of Morphine in the game is another reason to refuse classification as it is a "Proscribed Drug" highlighting the reward in game of using this drug (but neglecting to reinforce the negative effects in the final judgement).
It was also stated that Fallout 3 contains strong violence and "Warrants an MA15+ level of classification" in relation to the violent content in the opinion of the minority. The majority stated that "the game could be accommodated an MA15+ level of classification" in relation to violence.
From what I have read and seen of Fallout 3, this seems to be a fair assessment of the content of the game in its current form.
What I find concerning is the consistency of the board in relation to the ratings that it gives to other computer games.
A few for examples: (note: all classifications where taken from "www.classification.gov.au"):
BATTLEFIELD: BAD COMPANY 2008 (M): When the character is injured the player applies a syringe containing drugs directly to the character's chest to restore the character's health.
HALF-LIFE 2 2004 (MA15+): When the character is seriously injured, a computerised voice in the suit that the character is wearing states words to the effect of "Administering morphine."
BIOSHOCK 2007 (MA15+): Within the first 15 minutes the character graphically injects plasmids (drugs) into his left arm to gain powers. This is an essential activity to progress further into the game. The character has a gauge on the screen which measures Adam (the fuel) essential to use these powers. When this fuel is low, the character injects himself again to top up this gauge.
Last but not least...
FALLOUT 1 AND FALLOUT 2 1997/1998 (M): All of the chems (drugs) listed in this assessment with all the positive and negative effects.
I understand that the spirit of the classification legislation is to protect younger people and assist parents and guardians to make an informed choice in relation to what their wards are exposed to.
I also believe that it is also the spirit of the legislation to enforce the freedom of the mature adult to choose what they wish to watch, read or play.
As a mature gamer, I implore you to support Fallout 3, in it’s current state, to gain a classification that allows it to be sold in Australia in line with the above listed games which currently hold valid classifications.
I also ask that you support an 'R' rating for computer games to bring parity to all forms of media classification. However I will cover this issue in more detail in the future.
Yours Sincerely
Rob Overall
