120°

Australia's R18+ classification for video games kicks in

Australia's government finally admits that adults play games.

Until today - that's January 1st, 2013, in case you haven't been keeping track - Australia was one of the few developed nations without an 18+ classification for games. Previously, the highest rating available was MA15+, meaning any game not suitable for 15-year-olds was automatically refused classification and ended up either effectively banned from sale, or censored into oblivion à la Left 4 Dead 2.

knifefight4132d ago

So starting now, you have to be careful about what the game means when it says "mate."

cl19834132d ago

Not being from Australia, I don't understand how a game rated R18+ would still be censored?

sithsylar4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

Well considering games can still be banned in Australia even with this R18+ rating its pretty much pointless..... It wouldnt be censored just refused classification and that can still happen....

floetry1014132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

Refusal of classification under the new rating system would be something like Manhunt getting banned, which I can understand. I'm from Australia and I can tell you that this is a HUGE win for gaming adults and something that should have been established a very long time ago. Hopefully we'll see a Left 4 Dead 2 patch, Syndicate, Mortal Kombat and a number of other titles finally reach our shores.

DeadlyFire4132d ago

Australia had only up to 15+ rating. Meaning any Mature title released in EU/US with MA/18+ Ratings would make them censored down to 15+ rating of Aus or not show up at all in the country.

Now Australians can enjoy all games uncensored now as anything released there can have an 18+ rating now.

BitbyDeath4132d ago

This is the year when we need an R18.
Last of Us, GTAV, & Until Dawn all have the potential to be R18 games.

tachy0n4132d ago (Edited 4132d ago )

i hope retailers in the US ask for IDs when people buy M17+ games and make you sign something, (like if they detect a minor is playing the game they could ban you), why you may ask?

to stop those annoying 12 year olds from playing COD, BF3 etc they ruin everything!!!

im so glad for the Australians!

Krew_924132d ago

GameStop requires you to show an I.D for M rated games, but only parent or guardian. This is so flawed because anyone can show the I.D for the minor, I've seen minors ask random adults for help in the store for an I.D check.

You can never stop minors from playing, too many parents give in to their child's whining and buy them whatever they want without even researching what the product is before letting their children play.

Y_51504132d ago

It was annoying doing that when I was 16 years old. Asking a parent to show the clerk an ID so I can get my God of War on!

SeraphimBlade4132d ago

Yay! Enjoy your nudity and dismemberment!

70°

5 Of The Best Narrative Twists In Video Games

GL compiles a list of some of the most mind-blowing video game narrative twists in recent memory, from The Last of Us to Outer Wilds

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gameluster.com
Rebel_Scum14h ago

With articles like these cant you tag the games mentioned so that we can know ahead of time if there’s a spoiler to avoid?

Not clicking on your article otherwise.

50°

The 5 best video game adaptations of popular board games

Discover our top video game adaptations of popular board games, from Bloodbowl to Wingspan & get your board game friends into video games!

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spawningpoint.com
100°

EKWB reportedly plagued with financial disarray many gaming pc's left without parts

EK Cooling allegedly has slipped itself into a hot soup of seemingly endless financial woes, where it has not paid its staff, suppliers, and contractors for many months as the company is facing liquidity problems and a surplus of inventory left unsold, stuck in the warehouse for a more extended period. Gamers Nexus investigated these claims made by former and current personnel, where he found trails of unpaid bills lasting as long as three to four months and unpaid raises that accumulated for almost a year.

EK Water Blocks has two entities—a Slovenian-based headquarters and a US-based subsidiary, EK Cooling Solutions. Steve narrated the series of events in detail, stating that the company was reportedly irresponsible and negligent regarding payment. Consequently, partners and employees are forced to share the burden of alleged mismanagement. It all begins with its extensive range of products, leading to a surplus of goods. EK has over 230 water blocks, 40 liquid cooling kits, 85 reservoirs, 40 pumps, 73 radiators, and 212 miscellaneous accessories.

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tomshardware.com
just_looken4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Yes this is not about video games directly but indirectly this will impact the pc gaming/workstation space hard.

This company is massive one of two in the water cool space so if it goes poof then thousands out there have no spare parts or half built computers.

SO yeah i know not about a video game but think of it as amd leaving the pc space but this is ekwb that could be leaving water cooling in the pc space

Jayz2cents a supporter of there products also has issues
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Giblet_Head2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

As someone that has built a watercooling rig. EK is big, but there's so many numerous watercooling part companies out there. EK's stuff isn't exactly amazing quality for the price compared to others either, it's just ok. Much like Corsair. The impact would be negligible long term. For perspective the majority of my parts are XSPC, at most I use EK for my gpu waterblocks and fittings. Both easily replaceable.