In Order to make a submission, you need to answer this question:

Should the Australian National Classification Scheme include an R 18+ classification category for computer games?

Submit and download all the relevant documents here.

The submission template contains multiple choice questions as well as a 250 word comment section, not really enough words allowed to thoroughly discuss the issue yet it is better than nothing.

The Commonwealth Government has released a discussion paper which briefly summarises the key arguments for and against an R 18+ classification for computer games.  Censorship Ministers have considered the issue of an adult classification for computer games on several occasions.  However, they have not undertaken public consultation on this issue.

Submissions are being sought on whether the Australian National Classification Scheme should include an R 18+ classification category for computer games.  Submissions can be made by downloading and completing the submission template.  Submissions may also be mailed or faxed.  The discussion paper and submission template contain the contact details for making a submission.

Looks like Australia will be stuck with an edited version of Left 4 Dead 2 indefinitely.

I was personally going to pre-purchase this game but due to Australia’s archaic Classification system, I just cannot bring myself to buy an edited version the game -- Sorry Valve.

The OFLC official pdf.

A three-member panel of the Classification Review Board (the Review Board) has unanimously determined that the computer game Left 4 Dead 2 is classified RC (Refused Classification).

In the Review Board’s opinion, Left 4 Dead 2 could not be accommodated within the MA 15+ classification. The computer game contains a level of violence which is high in impact, prolonged, repeated frequently and realistic within the context of the game.

In addition, it was the Review Board’s opinion that there was insufficient delineation between the depiction of general zombie figures and the human figures, as opposed to the clearly fictional ‘infected’ characters. This was a major consideration of the Review Board in determining the impact of this game on minors.

Computer games classified RC cannot be sold, hired, advertised or demonstrated in Australia. The Classification Review Board convened today in response to an application from the distributor of the computer game, Electronic Arts, to review the decision made by the Classification Board on 15 September 2009 to classify Left 4 Dead 2 RC.

In reviewing the classification, the Classification Review Board worked within the framework of the National Classification Scheme, applying the provisions of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games. This is the same framework used by the Classification Board.

The Classification Review Board is an independent merits review body. Meeting in camera, it makes a fresh classification decision upon receipt of an application for review. This Classification Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board. The Classification Review Board’s reasons for this decision will appear on the Classification website when finalised.

Statement authorised by Victoria Rubensohn, Convenor, Classification Review Board

It will be interesting how this effects the modding community with altered in game assets.  Such a pity.

In the meantime watch the OFLC unedited trailer:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JiOV1F6xu0

Check www.classification.gov.au for updates.

I am assuming this is the unedited version of the game as the re-review was due on the 22nd of October.

Left 4 Dead 2 has already set the record for greatest number of pre-orders in our company’s history, and we’re still over a month out from shipping.

L4D2 was originally classified RC (Refused Classification) by the Classification Board on 15 September 2009.  Since this time Valve have appealed to the Classification Review Board.

The Classification Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board.

A classification board to review a refused classification by the Classification Board?  WTF?

And we wonder why our ratings system doesn’t work!

The Classification Review Board will meet on 22 October 2009 to consider the application. Check www.classification.gov.au for updates.

“We were surprised to hear of this news yesterday,” the executive informed us. “Obviously, everyone at Valve is pretty bummed.”

“It would be a shame if folks in Australia, or anywhere else, are unable to purchase Left 4 Dead 2 because of a ratings issue,” Lombardi lamented.

Left 4 Dead 2 is available everywhere else on the planet on November 17th.  Meanwhile feel free to download any R18+ mod available whilst the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification board targets only what gets deposited on their god damn laps.

The maximum Computer and Video game OFLC rating of MA15+ fails us gamers once again.

Left 4 Dead 2 has been refused classification in Australia in a decision announced by the Classification Board this morning.

UPDATE: An EA spokesperson has told us they “are still working through the submission process with OFLC and want to explore all opportunities before making any comment.

This Kotaku post outlines the issue and you can find the Steam forum discussion on it here.

Update via IGN: www.news.com.au has a copy of the board report. “High in Impact” is the reason given for the banning.