IllFonic has announced that Halloween: The Game has been banned in Australia and New Zealand due to its inclusion of a controlled substance.
Speaking on X in response to a user who asked about a PS5 version being available in Australia, after the company posted a trailer that marked 30 days until the game’s release, the studio commented:
Despite every effort on our part, the Australian Classifications Board has denied Halloween: The Game a rating. The denial was not based on the presence of the iconic slasher, Michael Myers, or the outstanding kills that can be performed in the game, but rather the presence of a controlled substance. Unfortunately, to our disappointment (and certainly yours) this means that we cannot sell the physical or digital product in both Australia and New Zealand.
A previous report from Bloody Disgusting cited a hands-on with Halloween: The Game from the Slash ‘N Cast podcast, which revealed the ability to smoke a joint. “Smoking weed in Halloween allows you to see Michael’s pings across the map and can give you an advantage,” it reportedly stated. “It’s a fun gameplay mechanic.” As such, while IllFonic hasn’t confirmed anything, it’s likely the inclusion of a controlled substance relates to this.
Halloween: The Game is scheduled for release on September 8, 2026 for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
[Source – Halloween The Game on X via VGC, Bloody Disgusting]