Last month, the upcoming Saints Row IV was refused a rating by the Australian Classification board. The board stated that the game could not be given one of the country’s new R 18+ ratings due to “interactive, visual depictions of implied sexual violence which are not justified by context” (the Alien Anal Probe weapon) and illicit drug use “related to incentives or rewards.”
Last week, the board re-convened to review its previous classification of Saints Row IV. The Australian Classification Board, however, still isn’t satisfied, and it seems Australian gamers will have to turn to importers for the true Saints Row experience.
The board today announced that it stands by its original decision and has rejected Saints Row IV yet again. A three member panel of the board rejected the game unanimously, issuing an opinion that, “drug use related to incentives and rewards is not permitted.”
Unfortunately for Deep Silver and Volition, the ratings board in Australia is not optional, as selling or even advertising a game that has been refused classification is prohibited in the country. With less than a month until the game’s August release date, developers of Saints Row IV will have their hands full unmaking their game to suit the tastes of the Australian Classification Board in time for release.
