Australia lifts ban on 18+ games

Australia has passed a new bill that will put an end to its controversial ban on 18+ rated video games and will see the introduction of an R18+ classification.

The bill, which was first introduced into Federal Parliament back in February, has been passed through the House of Representatives and the Senate without amendment and is scheduled to commence on January 1st, 2013.

Previously any game that exceeded an M15+ rating would of either have to have content cut to make retail, or be banned from sale within the country. With the introduction of the new R18+ rating the games industry will now be able to flood its blockbuster games that were previously banned into the country.

"These are important reforms over 10 years in the making."said Home Affairs minister Jason Clare.

"The R18+ category will inform consumers, parents and retailers about which games are not suitable for minors to play and will prevent minors from purchasing unsuitable material. The reforms also mean that adults are able to choose what games they play within the bounds of the law."