MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
An Australian retailer has taken steps to reduce the appeal of games designed for those aged 18 and above. In much the same way as some territories have enforced the use of plain packaging for cigarettes, Attack of the Fanboy reports that Target is now displaying games with an R18+ …
Read More »Australia gets first R18+ rated game
The Australian Classification Board has awarded the first R18+ rating to the Wii U exclusive title Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge. The R18+ rating in Australia hasbeen a long time comingbut the new classification finally came into effect on January 1st. The Classification Board awarded the first R18+ rating to …
Read More »MCV Pacific Yearly Wrap-Up: 2012
With the year drawing to a close and most people already scouring for beer, MCV looks back at the biggest and saddest stories of the year. Before THQ declared bankruptcy (and before it refuted claims that it was going to be sold) its Australian publishing office had already closed its …
Read More »MCV Pacific Weekly Wrap-Up: Wii U Edition
Well, we’re all a good few hours into playing our Wii U’s now, and sales charts for Q3 this year have come in. The Wii U midnight launches took place in hundreds of JB Hi-Fi, EB Games and K Mart stores across both countries yesterday, but EB in Sydney, Melbourne …
Read More »Aussie Parliament OK’s R18+ classification
Adult-themed games look set to finally get an official route into the Australian market. After three years of deliberation, Australia’s Federal Parliament has finally passed legislation that will allow video games to be classified as R18+. Currently the maximum rating available is MA15+, meaning games with content not suitable for …
Read More »Smooth sailing so far for the R18+ rating
An inquiry has been made since the R18+ bill was submitted to parliament, finding that it should move ahead without further public consultation. The report goes through ten pages of usual bureaucracy acknowledging the committee members, the on page 11 has its list of recommendations. There is only one recommendation …
Read More »R18+ due by 1st January 2013
GameSpot is reporting that the new Federal Minister for Home Affairs is predicting an R18+ rating by next year. Jason Clare indicated that he believes the bill will become legislation by 1st January 2013, after introducing the bill into parliament today. It was initially unknown whether the previous Minister for …
Read More »R18+ rating bill to be introduced to parliament in 2 weeks
After excessive debate, changes and moral panic, an R18+ rating bill is set to be introduced to parliament in 2 weeks time. Gamespot is reporting the news, but warns that the process is an arduous one and that it may yet take some time before an R18+ rating is introduced. …
Read More »iGEA backs AU’s first National Cultural Policy in almost 20 years
Senator Kate Lundy is set to chair a public policy consultation which will directly impact the digital media and interactive entertainment sector. The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA) has confirmed its support for the consultation (which is being called the Digital Culture Public Sphere) and is now listed as …
Read More »ALRC seeks focus groups for classification scheme revision
The Australian Law Reform Commission is calling for volunteers to view current media content and focus group the upcoming changes to the classification system. The plan is for 2 groups of 15 adults to serve as a pilot project, determining the usefulness of public consultations for future assessment panels. Applicants …
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