Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, the anticipated fighting game, has been banned in Australia by the Australian Classification Board, receiving a Refused Classification rating. This decision, made on December 1st, came without explanation.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned Down Under
Refused Classification: A Ban on Australian Shores
The Refused Classification (RC) means the game cannot be sold, rented, advertised, or imported into Australia. The board states that RC-rated content exceeds even the R18+ and X18+ rating limits, violating generally accepted community standards.While the reasons for an RC rating are usually clear, this decision is surprising. The game's official trailer shows typical fighting game fare—no explicit sex, graphic violence, or drug use. However, unseen content may be the cause, or potentially, correctable errors.
Hope for a Reconsideration
Australia has a history of game bans, with some overturned after revisions. The board has shown willingness to reconsider classifications if developers make changes. Past examples include The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings and Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, which initially received RC ratings but were later approved after modifications. Outlast 2 also underwent changes to secure an R18+ rating.
Therefore, the Australian ban on Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact isn't necessarily final. The developer or publisher could appeal the decision by providing content justifications or making alterations to meet classification requirements. The possibility of the game eventually launching in Australia remains open.
