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In April 2019, Katana Zero was refused classification in Australia and New Zealand due to its content, which includes violence, gore, and drug use. This meant that the game was not released on the Nintendo Switch eShop in these countries. However, after a short delay, the game's ban was overturned by the Classification Board, and it received an R18+ rating. Katana Zero was then released on the Australian eShop towards the end of May 2019, with some sources stating the date as 12 June 2019.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Classification | Refused classification in Australia |
| Release date | June 12, 2019 |
| Price | $22.50 AUD |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch eShop |
| Content | Violence, gore, drug use |
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What You'll Learn
Katana Zero was refused classification in Australia in 2019
In April 2019, the 2D platform/action game Katana Zero was refused classification in Australia and New Zealand. The game was developed by Askiisoft and published by Devolver Digital. The initial refusal of classification meant that the game would not be released on the Nintendo Switch in either country.
The automated IARC process was responsible for the game's 'Classification Refused' rating. However, it is important to note that the game was not reviewed or rejected by a human or Classification Board panel. Devolver Digital expressed their intention to resubmit the game, hoping to avoid a second refusal. Despite the presence of an R18+ rating, the game was deemed unsuitable for adults, with some speculating that the game's content of violence, gore, and drug use was the reason for the refusal.
Following the initial refusal, there was disappointment and frustration among gamers, with some criticizing Australia's classification process and what they perceived as censorship. Some gamers took to creating US accounts on their Switch devices and purchasing the game through the US eShop.
Subsequently, in June 2019, a manual review of Katana Zero's content by the Australian Classifications Board deemed the game worthy of an R18+ rating. This allowed the game to be published in Australia and New Zealand, and it became available for purchase on the Australian eShop for $22.50 AUD.
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The game contains violence, gore, and drug use
Katana Zero is a 2D platform/action game developed by Askiisoft and published by Devolver Digital. The game was initially refused classification in Australia and New Zealand due to its depiction of graphic violence, gore, and drug use. The game features a katana-wielding assassin with amnesia who can slow down time and predict the future. Players must slash at enemies with a katana, resulting in large spurts of pixelated blood. The game also includes the use of traps and explosives to defeat foes.
The storyline of Katana Zero follows Subject Zero, an amnesiac veteran with precognitive abilities. He assassinates drug dealers and other targets, including a political prisoner, for his psychiatrist, who acts as his handler. The game is set in a dystopian metropolis after a war, and the themes of drug use and the impact of war on a nation's spirit are relevant to the 1980s in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
While the game was initially refused classification in Australia and New Zealand, a manual review by the Australian Classifications Board later gave the game an R18+ rating, allowing it to be published in these countries. The game is now available on the Nintendo Switch eShop in Australia and New Zealand, though it was released later than in other regions.
The depiction of graphic violence, gore, and drug use in Katana Zero led to its initial refusal of classification in Australia and New Zealand. However, following a manual review, the game was deemed suitable for adults and given an R18+ rating. The game's neo-noir storyline, psychological horror elements, and black comedy themes add to the mature nature of the game.
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Devolver Digital re-submitted the game, and it was later released
In April 2019, Katana Zero was refused classification in Australia and New Zealand. The game was deemed to contain content unsuitable for minors, including violence, gore, and drug use. This refusal prevented the game's release on the Nintendo Switch eShop in the respective regions.
Devolver Digital, the publisher of Katana Zero, expressed their intention to re-submit the game for classification, hoping to resolve the issue. The game had already been released on other platforms, such as Steam, and was available in other regions on the Nintendo Switch eShop. However, due to Australia and New Zealand's strict classification guidelines, the game faced challenges in obtaining approval for local release.
Devolver Digital re-submitted the game, and it underwent a manual review process by the Australian Classifications Board. This time, the game was approved and received an R18+ rating, indicating that it was suitable only for adults aged 18 and above. This rating was assigned due to the game's mature content, which included violence, gore, and drug references.
Following the successful re-classification, Katana Zero was released on the Nintendo Switch eShop in Australia and New Zealand in June 2019. The game was now accessible to players in these regions who could purchase and experience the game on their Nintendo Switch consoles. The release came with a content update featuring a New Game+ mode, adding to the overall player experience.
The journey of Katana Zero's release in Australia and New Zealand highlights the complexities of navigating content regulations in different regions. While the game faced initial setbacks, the persistence of Devolver Digital in addressing the classification concerns ultimately led to a successful release, allowing players in these regions to legally access and enjoy the game.
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The game received an R18+ rating
In April 2019, the game Katana Zero was refused classification in Australia and New Zealand. The game was expected to be released on the Nintendo Switch eShop in these countries. However, the game was refused classification through an automated IARC process. This meant that no human had reviewed the game's content.
Following this, Devolver Digital, the publisher of Katana Zero, intended to re-submit the game for classification. The game was then subjected to a manual review by the Australian Classifications Board. This review found the game to be worthy of an R18+ rating. The game was deemed suitable for adults, despite containing violence, gore, and drug use.
The R18+ rating is the highest classification category for video games in Australia. It indicates that the game is suitable only for adults aged 18 years and older. The rating is designed to inform consumers, particularly parents, about the content of the game and to restrict the sale of inappropriate games to minors.
The R18+ rating for Katana Zero means that the game can now be legally sold and purchased in Australia. The game is available on the Australian eShop for purchase by players who meet the age requirement. The R18+ rating ensures that the game is accessible to adult players while also protecting younger players from inappropriate content.
The classification process for video games in Australia has been a topic of discussion among gamers and developers. Some have criticised the automated IARC system, arguing that it can lead to inaccurate ratings and regional issues. Others have expressed frustration with the refusal of classification for mature-themed games, questioning the effectiveness of censorship. The introduction of the R18+ rating in Australia was intended to address some of these concerns and provide a more comprehensive classification system for video games.
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It is available to purchase on the Australian eShop for $22.50 AUD
Katana Zero was initially refused classification in Australia and New Zealand due to its content, which includes violence, gore, and drug use. The game was refused an R18+ rating through an automated IARC process and was not reviewed by a human or Classification Board panel.
However, Devolver Digital, the publisher of the game, re-submitted Katana Zero for classification, and it was eventually approved. The game received an R18+ rating and was released on the Australian eShop in June 2019 for $22.50 AUD.
The game's release in Australia and New Zealand was highly anticipated, and some players even purchased the game from the US eShop or created US accounts on their Switch consoles to access the game before its local release. The delay in classification and release in Australia and New Zealand was due to the game's content, which required a manual review by the Australian Classifications Board.
Katana Zero is a 2D platform/action game developed by Askiisoft and published by Devolver Digital. The game has been well-received by players, with some praising its success and uniqueness.
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Frequently asked questions
Katana Zero was initially refused classification in Australia and New Zealand in April 2019. However, after a manual review by the Australian Classifications Board, the game received an R18+ rating and was released on the Australian eShop in June 2019.
The game contains violence, gore, and drug use.
Katana Zero is available for purchase on the Australian eShop for $22.50 AUD.
Yes, the PC version of Katana Zero is available on Steam.
