Leslie Massey
Postal 2 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Running with Scissors and released in 1997. It is the sequel to the game Postal. Both games are highly controversial due to their violent content and stereotyping. In Australia, the game has been banned for its excessive abhorrent content. This article will explore the reasons behind the ban and the impact it had on the gaming industry in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for ban | Excessive abhorrent content, high levels of violence, drug and terrorist references |
| Classification | Refused classification by the Australian Classification Board (ACB) and the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) |
| Penalties | Fines of NZ$2,000 ($1,400) for possession, up to NZ$20,000 ($14,000) for supply, distribution, exhibition, display, or advertisement, and up to NZ$50,000 ($38,000) for larger distributors and retailers |
| Jail time | Up to 1 year |
| Other countries banned | New Zealand, Malaysia, Germany, France, and temporarily in Sweden |
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What You'll Learn
The game's violence and humiliation of humans
Postal 2 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Running with Scissors and is the sequel to the 1997 game Postal. The game has been banned in Australia due to its excessive violence and humiliation of humans.
The game was designed to allow the player to test how much violence and humiliation they could inflict on other characters. This led the Australian government to ban the game, imposing fines and potential imprisonment for those caught distributing or advertising it. The game has also been banned in other countries such as New Zealand, Malaysia, Germany, France, and was temporarily banned in Sweden.
In Australia, the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) is responsible for reviewing and classifying media content. The OFLC refused classification for Postal 2, making it illegal to sell, advertise, or demonstrate the game in the country. The OFLC's decision was based on the game's excessive violence and offensive depictions of cruelty, which were considered to exceed acceptable community standards.
The ban on Postal 2 in Australia highlights the country's stance on violent video games and their potential impact on players. While some argue that banning such games has little effect on real-world violence, others believe it is necessary to prevent the potential desensitization and encouragement of aggressive behavior. The debate surrounding Postal 2 and similar violent video games continues to be a topic of discussion among gamers, developers, and regulators worldwide.
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High fines and prison time for offenders
Australia has a history of banning video games, particularly those with violent content. Postal 2, a first-person shooter video game, was banned in Australia due to its "excessive abhorrent content". The game features high levels of violence, drug references, and terrorist references.
Under Australian law, all media intended for retail display 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 the country. The ACB's decision to refuse classification of Postal 2 makes it illegal to sell, advertise, or demonstrate the game in Australia.
Possession of a banned game can result in criminal charges and heavy fines. Individuals caught with a copy of Postal 2 can face fines of up to NZ$2,000 ($1,400). Those who "supply, distribute, exhibit, display, or advertise" the game can be imprisoned for up to a year and fined NZ$20,000 ($14,000). Larger distributors and retailers may face even higher fines of up to NZ$50,000 ($38,000).
The maximum penalty for games refused classification by the ACB is a fine of $275,000 and/or 10 years in prison. While it is legal to possess RC games in most of Australia, Western Australia and prescribed areas of the Northern Territory have stricter laws that prohibit possession.
The high fines and prison sentences associated with Postal 2 in Australia serve as a strong deterrent against the distribution and possession of the game. These penalties highlight the seriousness with which Australia treats the classification and regulation of media content, particularly when it comes to violent video games.
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The game's drug references
Postal 2 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Running with Scissors. It is the sequel to the 1997 game Postal and is known for its highly controversial nature due to high levels of violence and stereotyping.
The game was banned in Australia due to "excessive abhorrent content." Specifically, regarding drug references, Postal 2 was deemed to contain material unsuitable for the R18+ classification, which includes the promotion of illegal drug use, as well as drug use related to incentives and rewards. This means that the game cannot be sold, hired, or publicly exhibited in Australia, and those who violate this law may face hefty fines or even jail time.
In Postal 2, drug references are often intertwined with the game's violent and controversial themes. For example, players may be encouraged to use drugs to enhance their performance or endurance, enabling them to inflict more violence or causing them to experience altered states that distort their perception of reality. The game may also depict drug use as a means of escape or coping mechanism for the player character, potentially glamorizing substance abuse.
Additionally, Postal 2's drug references could contribute to a desensitization effect, where players become accustomed to seeing drug use portrayed in a casual or humorous manner. This could minimize the perceived risks and negative consequences associated with drug use, making it seem like a harmless or even appealing activity. The impact of these references is particularly concerning given that Postal 2 allows players to test the limits of violence and humiliation inflicted on other characters.
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The game's terrorist references
Postal 2 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Running with Scissors and released in 2003 as a sequel to the 1997 game Postal. The game is intentionally highly controversial, with extremely violent content, stereotyping, and references to drugs and terrorism.
The game was banned in Australia due to its "excessive abhorrent content." Specifically, the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) refused classification, making it illegal to sell, advertise, or demonstrate the game in the country. The OFLC stated that the game is designed to allow players to inflict violence and humiliation on other characters. This led to a ban on the game and penalties for anyone caught with a copy, including fines and potential imprisonment.
The inclusion of terrorist elements in Postal 2 may involve depictions or allusions to terrorist organizations, extremist ideologies, or acts of terrorism. Such references could include visual or audio cues that allude to real-world terrorist incidents or groups. Given the sensitive nature of terrorism and its potential impact on public safety and national security, the Australian classification board likely considered these references as contributing factors to the game's refusal of classification.
The decision to ban Postal 2 in Australia highlights the country's stance on violent and controversial media. While the game's developers may argue that players can complete the game without killing anyone, the overall tone and content, including the terrorist references, were deemed unacceptable by the Australian authorities. This ban sends a clear message about the country's standards for video games and their potential impact on players.
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The game's stereotyping
Postal 2 is a first-person shooter video game by Running with Scissors, and it is the sequel to the 1997 game Postal. Both games are intentionally highly controversial due to their high levels of violence and stereotyping. The game was banned in Australia due to "excessive abhorrent content."
The game was refused classification by the Australian Classification Board (ACB), formerly the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), which meant it was banned from being sold at retail and placed on the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service list of prohibited items. The OFLC stated that the game was designed to allow the player to test how much violence and humiliation they could inflict on other players. This led to a ban on the game and penalties for anyone caught with a copy, as well as anyone who supplied, distributed, exhibited, displayed, or advertised it.
While some argue that banning games like Postal 2 will not impact violence in society, others believe it is necessary to prevent the potential influence on aggressive individuals. The game's developer, Running with Scissors, has attempted to distance themselves from the controversial nature of the game, stating that it is possible to finish the game without killing anyone. However, this strategy was seen through, and the game faced bans in multiple countries, including Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Postal 2 is banned in Australia due to "excessive abhorrent content". The game was refused classification by the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), making it illegal to sell, advertise or demonstrate in the country.
The Australian Classification Board (ACB), formerly known as the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), is responsible for reviewing all media intended for retail display in Australia. If a work is deemed too inappropriate by the ACB, it may be refused classification (RC), effectively banning it from being sold in the country.
Games may be refused classification if they are deemed to contain material unsuitable for an R18+ classification, such as depictions of sexual violence, the promotion of illegal drug use, and drug use related to incentives and rewards.
Possession of RC material in Australia can result in criminal charges, including fines of up to NZ$2,000 ($1,400) for individuals and NZ$50,000 ($38,000) for larger distributors and retailers. Individuals who supply, distribute, exhibit, display, or advertise RC material may also face imprisonment of up to one year.
