Lyla Lindsey
The first-person shooter game Postal 2 has been banned in several countries due to its violent and offensive content. In Australia, the expansion pass Share the Pain was banned in 2005 due to high impact violence. The game Postal 2: Complete, which included the expansion pass, was rated R 18+ in 2013 for similar reasons. While the ban was eventually lifted, the game was delisted and unavailable for purchase on Steam in Australia. This raises questions about the impact of banning violent video games and the role of censorship in mitigating potential negative effects on players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for ban | High impact violence, crime, anti-social behaviour, and crude humour |
| Date of ban | October 2005 |
| Fines | Up to $275,000 and/or 10 years in jail |
| Possessing the game | Legal to possess, except in Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory |
Explore related products
![Postal (Unrated) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Q3cCDZLcL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- The Postal 2 expansion pass, Share the Pain, was banned in Australia for high impact violence
- The base game Postal 2 was banned in New Zealand for violent content and animal cruelty
- Possession of Postal 2 in New Zealand can result in criminal charges and heavy fines
- In Australia, games refused classification by the ACB are banned for sale, hire, or public exhibition
- The R18+ rating for video games in Australia has reduced the number of games refused classification
The Postal 2 expansion pass, Share the Pain, was banned in Australia for high impact violence
The Postal series of games has long been controversial due to its violent content. Postal 2, a first-person shooter game, is no exception and has been banned in several countries. The Postal 2 expansion pass, Share the Pain, was banned in Australia in October 2005 due to "high impact violence".
In Australia, all media intended for retail display must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). If a work is deemed too inappropriate, it may be Refused Classification (RC), effectively banning it from being sold in the country. The Postal 2 expansion pass fell into this category, with the ACB specifically citing "high impact violence" as the reason for the ban.
Under Australian law, possession of RC games is legal (except in Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory). However, supplying, distributing, exhibiting, displaying, or advertising Refused Classification games is illegal and can result in significant fines and even imprisonment. These penalties serve as a strong deterrent for individuals and businesses considering distributing or selling banned games like Postal 2 in Australia.
The ban on Postal 2 in Australia has sparked mixed reactions. Some argue that banning violent video games like Postal 2 will not reduce real-world violence. They believe that an individual's aggressive tendencies will manifest regardless of the presence or absence of such games. However, others support the ban, citing the high levels of violent content in Postal 2 and expressing concerns about its potential impact on players.
Despite the controversy and the ban in Australia, Postal 2: Complete, which included the expansion pass Share the Pain, was later rated R 18+ in October 2013. This rating was given due to high impact violence and themes related to crime, anti-social behaviour, and crude humour. The game was delisted in April 2024, but the ban was lifted, indicating a shift in the classification and acceptance of violent video games in Australia.
Aeroplan Miles: Flying to Australia, How Many Needed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The base game Postal 2 was banned in New Zealand for violent content and animal cruelty
The base game Postal 2 was banned in New Zealand due to its violent content and animal cruelty. The game was deemed to have "high levels of violent content and animal violence" by the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), resulting in its ban in 2004. The OFLC stated that the game is designed to allow players to inflict violence and humiliation on other characters. As a result, anyone caught with a copy of the game in New Zealand could face a fine of up to NZ$2,000, while distributors and retailers could be fined up to NZ$50,000.
The game has also faced restrictions in other countries, including Australia. While the base game was not banned in Australia, its expansion pass, "Share the Pain," was banned in the country in October 2005 due to "high impact violence." A special edition of the game, Postal 2: Complete, which included the expansion pass and "Apocalypse Weekend," was rated R 18+ in Australia in October 2013 for high impact violence, themes related to crime, antisocial behavior, and crude humor.
The Postal series has always been known for its controversial content, including urination, foul language, and borderline racism. The violent nature of the game has sparked debates about its impact on players, with some arguing that banning such games is ineffective in reducing violence. However, due to the graphic nature of Postal 2, it has faced legal consequences in multiple countries, including New Zealand and Australia, with varying levels of restrictions and penalties for possession and distribution.
It is worth noting that the classification and rating systems for video games have evolved over time. In Australia, the introduction of the R18+ rating in 2013 meant that fewer games would be refused classification and banned. Games with content deemed unsuitable for minors, such as depictions of sexual violence or the promotion of illegal drug use, are more likely to receive the R18+ rating instead of being banned entirely. This shift in classification criteria has allowed previously banned games to be re-evaluated and potentially made available to Australian players in censored or altered forms.
While the base game Postal 2 was not banned in Australia, its expansion packs and special editions faced restrictions due to their violent content. The varying responses to the game in different countries highlight the ongoing debates surrounding violent video games and the appropriate regulatory measures to address them.
Applying for Australian PR: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Possession of Postal 2 in New Zealand can result in criminal charges and heavy fines
The first-person shooter game Postal 2 has been banned in several countries due to its violent content, including New Zealand. In 2004, the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) banned the game in New Zealand, citing high levels of violent and animal abuse content. The OFLC stated that the game is designed to allow players to inflict violence and humiliation on other players. As a result, possessing Postal 2 in New Zealand is illegal and can result in criminal charges and hefty fines.
Under New Zealand law, those found in possession of the game can be fined NZ$2,000 ($1,400). The penalties are more severe for those who supply, distribute, exhibit, display, or advertise the game. These individuals could face imprisonment for up to a year or a fine of NZ$20,000 ($14,000). Larger, incorporated distributors and retailers could face even higher fines of up to NZ$50,000 ($38,000).
The ban on Postal 2 in New Zealand highlights the country's strict approach to violent video games. While some critics argue that banning such games is ineffective in reducing real-world violence, others believe it is necessary to protect citizens, especially considering the potential legal consequences for those who violate the ban.
It is worth noting that the ban on Postal 2 in New Zealand does not apply to purchasing the game. Individuals may be able to buy the game from online platforms, but downloading and possessing the game within New Zealand is prohibited and can lead to legal repercussions. This distinction has created a complex situation where individuals may accidentally break the law by purchasing the game without realising it is banned in their country.
While the effectiveness of banning violent video games like Postal 2 is debated, the legal consequences of possessing the game in New Zealand are clear. Individuals who choose to purchase and possess Postal 2 in New Zealand do so at their own risk, facing potential criminal charges and substantial fines if caught.
The Flying Doctors: Australia's Unique Healthcare Heroes
You may want to see also
In Australia, games refused classification by the ACB are banned for sale, hire, or public exhibition
In Australia, all media intended for retail display must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). The ACB is a statutory censorship and classification body that was formed by the Australian Government in 1970. Games refused classification by the ACB are banned for sale, hire, or public exhibition, carrying a maximum fine of $275,000 and/or 10 years in jail. It is, however, legal to possess RC-rated games in most parts of Australia.
The Postal series of video games has a history of being banned in certain countries due to its violent content. In October 2005, the expansion pass for Postal 2, titled "Share the Pain", was banned in Australia due to "high impact violence". The base game Postal 2 was also banned in New Zealand for similar reasons, with the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) stating that the game was "designed to allow the player to test how much violence and humiliation he or she can inflict on human beings".
In 2013, an R18+ rating was introduced for video games in Australia, allowing games that were previously refused classification to be sold in the country if they fit within the R18+ rating and the publisher paid the reclassification fee. This change reduced the number of video games receiving the Refused Classification rating. Games may still be refused classification if they contain material deemed unsuitable for the R18+ rating, such as depictions of sexual violence, promotion of illegal drug use, or excessive violence and gore.
It is important to note that the laws regarding the sale and possession of banned games vary across different regions within Australia. While it is generally illegal to sell R18+ computer games to individuals under the age of 18, there may be specific state and territory laws that further restrict the sale and possession of such games.
Australian Government Bonds: Interest Payment Frequency Explained
You may want to see also
The R18+ rating for video games in Australia has reduced the number of games refused classification
Australia has strict guidelines for media intended for retail display, including video games. All such media must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). If a game is deemed too inappropriate by the ACB, it may be Refused Classification (RC), effectively banning it from being sold in Australia. Video games that include content such as depictions of sexual violence, the promotion of illegal drug use, detailed instructions in matters of crime or violence, depiction of rape, or gratuitous and exploitative depictions of violence may be refused classification.
Before the introduction of the R18+ rating for video games, the highest rating a video game could receive in Australia was MA15+. Games with content exceeding the MA15+ definition had to be refused classification, leading to a number of mainstream games being banned in Australia despite being readily available to adults in other countries. The introduction of the R18+ rating for video games in 2011 was expected to reduce the number of games refused classification.
Several games were initially refused classification but were later approved for release with an R18+ rating. For example, We Happy Few was refused classification in 2018 because progress in the game relied on hallucinogenic drug use. However, this decision was overturned on review after more context was provided to the board. Similarly, State of Decay was refused classification for mentioning drugs as health and stamina boosts, but a modified version was later rated R18+ after the developer changed the "stimulants" to "supplements".
Despite the introduction of the R18+ rating, some games may still be refused classification. For instance, Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure was refused classification for promoting anti-social behaviour through graffiti, which is an offence under Australian law. The game would likely still be banned under an R18+ classification.
Nutrition Australia: Strategies for Healthy Eating
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the expansion pass Share the Pain was banned in Australia in October 2005 due to "high impact violence". In 2013, a special edition of the game titled Postal 2: Complete was rated R 18+ for high impact violence and themes related to crime, anti-social behaviour, and crude humour. However, the game was delisted in April 2024 despite the ban being lifted.
Under Australian law, all media must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). A work deemed inappropriate by the ACB may be Refused Classification (RC), banning it from being sold and placing it on the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service list of prohibited items. Any copies found at the border will be seized, and the recipient may receive fines of up to A$110,000. Possession of RC games is legal, except in Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory.
The Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) stated that "The game is designed, and has the capacity, to allow the player to test how much violence and humiliation he or she can inflict on human beings." The game was banned due to its high levels of violent content and animal violence.
