Lexi Webster
Australia has a history of banning video games that are readily available in other countries. Games can be banned for reasons such as sexual violence, drug use, and excessive violence. Games that are banned cannot be sold, hired, or publicly exhibited in Australia, and there are heavy fines and jail time for those who do not comply. However, it is still possible for Australians to access banned games through digital distribution or by importing physical copies from other countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who decides whether a game is banned in Australia? | The Australian Classification Board (ACB) |
| What is the ACB's criteria for banning a game? | Depictions of sexual violence, promotion of illegal drug use, and drug use related to incentives and rewards |
| What happens when a game is banned? | It cannot be sold at retail and is placed on the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service list of prohibited items. |
| What are the consequences of importing banned games into Australia? | Copies of banned games found at the border will be seized, and the recipient may receive fines of up to A$110,000. |
| Is it illegal to possess banned games in Australia? | It is illegal to possess banned games in Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory. In other states, it is legal to possess banned games for private use, but illegal to sell or exhibit them in public. |
| Can banned games be edited and resubmitted for classification? | Yes, games that have been edited may receive a classification and be sold in Australia. |
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What You'll Learn
Buy banned games from another country
In Australia, all media intended for retail display must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). A work deemed too inappropriate by the ACB may be Refused Classification (RC), banning it from being sold at retail, and placing the work on the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service list of prohibited items. Any copies of such works found at the border will be seized, and the recipient, depending on the number of copies being imported, may receive up to A$110,000 in fines.
It is, however, legal to possess RC games in most states, except in Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory.
If you are looking to buy banned games from another country, you must be careful to not buy games that are region-locked. For example, if you are in Russia, you could buy games that are banned in Australia, but you may not be able to play them back in Australia due to region locks.
One way to get around this is to go to r/steamgameswap and buy games with keys from other games such as TF2, Dota 2, or CSGO. As long as you only trade via Steam's trading window, you will get your keys back if the game gets revoked.
Another way to get banned games is to buy them while travelling in another country using the local currency. Valve suggests choosing the country that is your primary residence, but it is not mandatory, and people can still update the store to match the country they are travelling in. However, there will be some cooldown before you can play the game. This method will not get you banned, but trying to bypass the Steam Subscriber Agreement (SSA) by using IP proxying or other methods to disguise your location may result in your account being locked.
Once you have added a game to your library, Steam does not care which IP you have when you play games.
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Play digitally without borders
Australia has a history of banning video games that are readily available elsewhere. Games may be banned if they are deemed to contain material unsuitable for an R18+ classification, such as depictions of sexual violence, substance abuse, or the promotion of illegal drug use. While it is illegal to sell or exhibit banned games in public, it is legal to possess them for private use in most states, except Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory.
Due to digital distribution, it is still possible for Australians to access banned games. American or European versions of digital storefronts often make banned games readily available for purchase. Additionally, gamers can import banned games from international websites, as customs typically do not inspect packages containing one or two games.
Some popular games that have been banned in Australia include Grand Theft Auto, Saints Row, Hotline Miami 2, We Happy Few, and DayZ. To get these games classified for sale in Australia, developers often need to edit or censor certain scenes, dialogue, or gameplay elements. For example, Saints Row 4 was initially refused classification due to sexual violence and drug use, but an Australian version that omitted a side mission was eventually accepted.
While the introduction of the R18+ rating for video games in 2013 was a step towards recognising the maturity of the medium, it has not significantly changed the types of games that are banned in Australia. Developers and gamers continue to navigate the country's strict classification guidelines, which can sometimes feel like a "nanny state".
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Import games via legitimate sites
In Australia, games that are refused classification by the ACB are banned for sale, hire, or public exhibition. However, it is legal to possess RC games in most states, except in Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory.
While some individuals have reported successfully importing banned games into Australia without any issues, it is important to note that customs regulations prohibit the importation of "objectionable goods," which may include games refused classification due to their depiction of sex, drug misuse, violence, or other sensitive content.
When importing goods, customs officials visually inspect the declaration form and may hold an item for further inspection if there are concerns about its content or value. While the chances of a game clearing customs may be relatively good, there is still a risk of seizure and fines for importing prohibited items.
To import games via legitimate sites, one option is to purchase them from international versions of digital storefronts, such as Steam or the eShop, which offer uncensored versions of games that may be banned in Australia. These sites often provide sales and discounts on games, and purchasing through legitimate channels can help reduce the risk associated with importing banned games.
Another option is to utilize online marketplaces like eBay, where individuals have reported successfully purchasing banned games through overseas sellers. However, eBay Australia may block auctions for selling banned games, so using an international eBay site may be necessary. It is important to be mindful of customs regulations and the potential for items to be screened and seized upon entering the country.
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Play uncut versions from American/European storefronts
Australia has a long history of banning video games that are readily available elsewhere. Until 2013, the highest possible rating for video games was MA15+, which meant that any video game released would be available to 15-year-olds or to no one at all. This led to the introduction of an R18+ rating, but it has not changed which video games are banned.
American or European versions of the same digital storefronts make banned games readily available. For example, Grand Theft Auto III was available for many months with an MA15+ rating in Australia, while in most other countries, it was only available to people over 18.
While it is illegal to sell, advertise, and publicly exhibit banned games in Australia, it is legal to possess them (except in Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory). Therefore, one way to play banned games in Australia is to buy uncut versions from American or European storefronts.
However, it is important to note that the availability of uncut versions on American or European storefronts may vary depending on the game and the region. Some games may still be banned or restricted in these regions, so it is essential to check the relevant laws and regulations before attempting to purchase or access them.
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Play RC games in certain states
In Australia, all media intended for retail display, such as films and video games, must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). Games that are deemed too inappropriate by the ACB are refused classification (RC) and are banned from being sold at retail.
While RC games cannot be sold, hired, advertised, or legally imported in Australia, it is legal to possess them in most states for private use. However, there are exceptions to this in certain states and territories:
- Western Australia—It is illegal to possess, copy, or download RC games in Western Australia, even for private use.
- Northern Territory—Possession of RC games is prohibited in prescribed areas of the Northern Territory.
- Australian Capital Territory—It is illegal to possess or copy RC games if there is an intention to sell or demonstrate them.
- South Australia—It is illegal to possess or copy RC games if the intention is to sell or demonstrate them.
- Victoria—While it is legal to possess RC games, selling or demonstrating such games in a public place is a serious felony.
- Tasmania—RC games cannot be sold or delivered, but possession remains legal.
The introduction of the R18+ rating for video games in Australia has reduced the number of games refused classification. Games that contain material unsuitable for the R18+ classification, such as depictions of sexual violence or the promotion of illegal drug use, may still be refused classification.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not illegal to play banned games in Australia. However, it is illegal to sell or exhibit them in public.
You can import banned games from other countries. Games can also be purchased online and delivered through the mail.
Some popular games that have been banned in Australia include Saints Row, Grand Theft Auto, and God of War 3.
Games are banned in Australia if they are deemed too inappropriate by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). This can be due to various reasons such as sexual violence, drug use, or excessive violence.
Yes, publishers can pay a reclassification fee and edit the content to meet the requirements for an R18+ rating.
