Why Fallout 3 was banned in Australia

Gothic Girl | July 09, 2008 | News | PC Playstation 3

A week ago there was a rumor floating around the 'net that Fallout 3 had been banned in Australia. Well that rumor has just been confirmed and the game HAS been banned. Why? Yes, it was because of the drugs. The voilence, gore and cannibalism was fine. But the use of drugs was not. Talk about getting your priorities wrong!

Well, Australian Gamer managed to get its hands on the OFLC's report for Fallout 3. The ban had nothing to do with decapitation, gore or dismemberment. It was the drugs, and only the drugs. I should be shocked, but all I can do is shake my head. And shake it hard.

From the report:

quote
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 negitave 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.

News Story attached to:

Fallout 3 [XBOX360, PS3, PC]

6 comments | go to source (www.kotaku.com.au) | Add to favorites!

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90	So WHY was Silent Hill: Homecoming banned in Australia? (7) September 25, 2008
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72	Peter Hines: We didn’t buy the Fallout franchise to just do Fallout 3 and then stop (4) August 3, 2008

Comments

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0 thumbs!
Fishlock | July 10, 2008

Haze was focused entirely on drugs and it did not get banned, so why ban this?
- 1 thumbs!
  Seproth | July 10, 2008
  
  Haze's drugs weren't real. It was some made up shit called Nectar. This, if I'm not mistaken, was due to the morphine.
  
  Still *bleep* but I'm sure that's why.
  - -3 thumbs!
    Fishlock | July 10, 2008
    
    Well, why should I care, I live in America lol
0 thumbs!
Red 9 | July 10, 2008

People will just import it anyway.
0 thumbs!
kspiess | July 11, 2008

This is great news to hear. It shows that Bethesda has toned down the game's material that much.

Aussies correct me if I'm wrong, but most gamers there import there games anyways. I've heard many games retail for over $100 USD, so its way cheaper to just order them from the internet...so this ban won't really mean all that much.
0 thumbs!
Silver Mirror | July 11, 2008

Well after hearing some very appealing statistics I'm definitely going to have a look at importing my next PS3 game, apparently you can save $30 even with shipping, bet you Australian stores start lowering prices once they realise they can't rip us off anymore.