If you’re unfamiliar with the term Refused Classification, here’s a quick crash course. Refused Classification (RC) is a label slapped on media that cannot be classified under current Australian Classification Guidelines. RC can be applied to all forms of media, from literature and music to movies and video games.
One of the latest victims of the RC ban-hammer is NetherRealm Studios’ eponymous franchise reboot Mortal Kombat, which is set to release on April 19, 2011 outside of Australia. Australia slammed the RC label on Mortal Kombat because its gory Fatalities have been deemed inappropriate for Australian audiences.
This is yet another example of Australia’s outdated classification system treating adults like children. The most mature video game classification in Australia is MA15+. So, under the current guidelines, any game that is not suitable for a 15 year old is effectively not suitable for an adult either.
"We are extremely disappointed that Mortal Kombat, one of the world’s oldest and most successful video games franchises, will not be available to mature Australian gamers," a Warner Bros. representative told Kotaku AU. "WBIE would not market mature content where it is not appropriate for the audience. We understand that not all content is for every audience, but there is an audience for mature gaming content and it would make more sense to have the R18+ classification in Australia."
There are three potential outcomes to this situation. Most likely, Australia will once again receive a muted, watered-down version of Mortal Kombat, though it’s possible that publisher Warner Bros. will avoid the region altogether. Or, less likely, Warner Brothers’ appeal will find success. Only time will tell how it will play out.