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That isn't the only hardship they've faced, however, and yesterday the gaming community was shocked to learn that the Australian Classification Board blacklisted the upcoming game. Needless to say, Valve is upset about that decision. With a November 17 release date quickly approaching, there isn't a lot of time for them to begin hacking up a game that's probably receiving its final touches. They have officially responded to the blacklisting, saying with terse words that they are very disappointed about the move.
Without giving too much detail, the principle reason behind the ban was excessive violence. Anyone who has played Left 4 Dead (or any shooter for that matter) would likely scoff at that, as the gore aspect is a central focus. Does the Australian government expect Valve to begin retro-editing a title so close to release? Will Valve cave, or simply try to get the game re-classified?
User Comments: 50
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I'm surprised that Valve is surprised. This is what they should expect from a primarily socialist government. Australia already has a gun ban in place that has led to the crime rate steadily rising, yet they won't admit it. Simply said, the government feels they know what the people need more than the people themselves.
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LNCPapa said:
Isn't there a third option of just not doing anything? I wouldn't until after I was finished polishing my original product - then, as time and resources permit, make the changes necessary to get it passed.
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Sucks for Australia.
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Seriously be happy they are making a second one. I understand they are makin it early, but its because it was a major success. Stop your complaining, be happy they want to make a second one. SERIOUSLY.... STOP complaining play on the new multiplayer they offer.....
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If I were Gabe Newell I would strip the game down to 2d sprites, 8bit color and tell the Aussies that they can thank their government for destroying free trade and dictating what the People can see and hear.
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Wendig0 said:
I'm surprised that Valve is surprised. This is what they should expect from a primarily socialist government. Australia already has a gun ban in place that has led to the crime rate steadily rising, yet they won't admit it. Simply said, the government feels they know what the people need more than the people themselves.
Wow Wendig0 you have made my day with that comment. A primarily socialist government you say. Thats a laugh. Oh that gun ban? Thing is i dont turn on the evening news and see another school shooting here in Oz. People who want the game will find ways to get it. Its that simple.
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mattfrompa said:
I wonder if this could be solved by some kind of ballet screen...quick, get me Steve Ballmer!
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no you just see some psycho starting fires killing 220 people or so. Yeah that's not deadly at all. 'Oz' is much better off without weapons for everyone as a right. Too bad for the natives too, huh, only whitie had guns. Blind blabbering fool.
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tengeta said:
Not too long before you see in game options a choice of "Australia Mode".
Just my guess.
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Heh...Valve sure is taking it on the chin with this "new" title. They probably wouldn't have squawked so much if it hadn't already been drug through the mud by the boycott community. Now, Austrailia's ban will dig even more into the already / potentially lost profits. See what greed gets you?
Not to totally derail this thread, but I'd actually like to hear from Aussie's and their thoughts on their gun ban...maybe for another thread.
BTW...
...People who want the game will find ways to get it. Its that simple.And criminals who want guns will find ways to get them. To bad for the innocent, unarmed victims.
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Valve should be thankful for the free advertising. The general reason people buy FPS games is for violent fast paced action. Australia's government just told all potential customers that this game shouldn't disappoint people interested in that.
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LNCPapa said:
Yeah, except now they can't buy it legally and are forced to pirate it giving no props to the developers.
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Am I the only one thinking, "**** Australia. Stop releasing games there and see how long it takes for their government to crumble under the whines of the people"?
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Captain828 said:
What I really don't get is how come the original L4D ISN'T banned as well?! The gory effects are 100% identical to L4D2!
About the ban itself, it's mostly because there is no "18+" rating for games in Aussieland, with the highest being "MA15+" if I remember well.
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csw05 said:Wendig0 said:
I'm surprised that Valve is surprised. This is what they should expect from a primarily socialist government. Australia already has a gun ban in place that has led to the crime rate steadily rising, yet they won't admit it. Simply said, the government feels they know what the people need more than the people themselves.
Wow Wendig0 you have made my day with that comment. A primarily socialist government you say. Thats a laugh. Oh that gun ban? Thing is i dont turn on the evening news and see another school shooting here in Oz. People who want the game will find ways to get it. Its that simple.
Ah, yet you fail to acknowledge the fact that armed home invasions have steadily risen, along with armed robberies, since the gun ban was imposed. Only the law abiding citizens gave up their guns, the criminals did not. I'm not going to turn this into a political debate any more than I already have, so I'll just say this - check your facts. I've lived in Australia too. Melbourne for 3 1/2 years on the job.
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No-one cares about gun control either way except for horrid middle class busybodies and deranged hillbillies. This is about censorship, and the political right are just as bad - if not moreso - than the left when it comes to that.
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The Australian gun ban is just an extension of the British gun ban. When my wife came to the states she said it was like a twilight zone moment, as everyone was so friendly and polite, I said yes dear, we still have our guns, and guns always make for a polite society. As to valve whining about the ban, grow up you sooks... its a violent and graphically overdone game. This is the results of over a decade of violent television, funny that sex is bad for tv but murder is ok, whereas without sex we would not be here. So, this is the pinnacle of our evolution, where natural biological functions are the great taboo but defilement of the rights of individuals through acts of violence are the grail for those seeking profits.
PAX,
aZoth
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Tengeta, shhhh... Don't say it too loudly. Somebody might hear you and make it so.
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Concerning the debate over the "Gun Ban" in Australia, I would just like to say that I live in Aus, and personally I think it's a great thing. Sure I love my guns (Yes, I do have guns - and legally too, despite being just a civillian). The "Gun Ban" only affect assault rifles and other similar automatic weapons that, in my oppinion, the everyday civillian shouldn't have anyway.
There is just no need for us to have Assault Rifles or SMG's, at all. Seriously, some of the guns you Americans own is...overkill.
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Wendig0 said:
I'm surprised that Valve is surprised. This is what they should expect from a primarily socialist government.> Australia already has a gun ban in place that has led to the crime rate steadily rising, yet they won't admit it.< Simply said, the government feels they know what the people need more than the people themselves.
Australia already has a gun ban in place that has led to the crime rate steadily rising, yet they won't admit it........... WOW....what the ****.... ever seen bowling for columbine... keep ****** like this away from parliament..... Cuz australia has to much crime right? We should give people guns cuz killings cool.... /sarcasm off.
Taylor
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Seriously, some of the guns you Americans own is...overkill.
You mean the ones that are illegal under the US Assault Weapon Ban? Even with our reputation for toting AK's in the South and gangsters wielding Uzi's from LA, most people in the US stick with legally available guns. >_>
I think that any game should be allowed to be released without a rating like movies i.e. "Not rated", not banned simply because of its content; that's pure censorship, and a violation of basic civil rights. A hard loss for Valve since Aussie's wanting to play the game will have to pirate it.
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Hey,
I live in Australia and I am very disappointed with the ban, but I can't see why every American is bagging my country and our government. And did someone say that Australia has a large crime rate? Well im sorry to say citizens of America, but you have one of the most dangerous, crime commiting countries. I mean im not saying I like the ban, but i can understand why they banned it. Because they dont want young kids seeing needless, relentless violence. So, to all the Aussie baggers, I say '**** YOU!'
Thank you
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No, **** you, you anti-antiaustralian.
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wait, a WHOLE three and a half years? With that experience in our fine country I see no reason to doubt your judgment. Of course, I suggest you do a little research (maybe start at Snopes, http://www.snopes.com/crime/statistics/ausguns.asp) and you might see why we previously disagreed with you.
As for the ban on L4D2, I'm really not that surprised. There have been a good handful of games that have been banned. One day, I'm sure, we'll see higher classifications instated, but for now, we'll just have to buy our 'illegal' games from the US, or Europe, and hope customs doesn't take a look.
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Guest said:Seriously, some of the guns you Americans own is...overkill.
You mean the ones that are illegal under the US Assault Weapon Ban?
Guess you didn't get the memo. The Assault Weapons Ban that you speak of has been non-existant for years. The ban was lifted in 2004.
For those of you that support gun control, here's a thought for you to chew on.
Legislation was introduced back in the early 80's in Kennesaw, Georgia, that required the "Head of Household" to own at least one firearm with ammunition in order to deter crime. The plan worked, and Kennesaw still to this day has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. As of 2007, Kennesaw remained murder free for 25 years. I'm sure they still are.
Sorry, but your "Bowling for Columbine" argument doesn't hold water. There's an old saying, "Guns don't kill people. People kill people." I believe it's the truth. Video games don't make people violent either.
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