Game becomes first denied classification since new 18+ category over 'implied sexual violence'

Saints Row IV banned in Australia

Saints Row IV has been denied classification in Australia, effectively banning it from retail in the country.

This is the first game to suffer such a fate since Australia added the 18+ rating last year.

The decision came as a result of the inclusion of an ‘Alien Anal Probe’ weapon, and ‘Alien Narcotics’ which give superpowers to players who use them.

“In the Board’s opinion, Saints Row IV, includes interactive, visual depictions of implied sexual violence which are not justified by context,” reads the Classification Board’s report.

“In addition, the game includes elements of illicit or proscribed drug use related to incentives or rewards. Such depictions are prohibited by the computer games guidelines.”

The game’s publisher, Deep Silver, tells Gamespot that the game will be edited and re-submitted for classification.

“Volition, the developer, are reworking some of the code to create a version of the game for this territory by removing the content which could cause offence without reducing the outlandish gameplay that Saints Row fans know and love,” read the statement.

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