Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, the anticipated fighting game, has been banned in Australia by the Australian Classification Board, receiving a Refused Classification rating. This decision, made on December 1st, came without explanation.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Blocked in Australia
Refused Classification Rating
The Refused Classification (RC) means the game cannot be sold, rented, advertised, or imported legally into Australia. The board stated that the content violates generally accepted community standards and surpasses the limits of even the R18+ and X18+ ratings.This decision is surprising, as the game's official trailer shows typical fighting game fare – no overt sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use. However, unshown content might be the cause, or possibly clerical errors that could be corrected.
A Chance for Appeal?
Australia has a history of banning games, sometimes later overturning those decisions. The Classification Board has shown a willingness to reconsider ratings if developers make changes. Games like The Witcher 2 and Disco Elysium initially received RC ratings but were later reclassified after modifications. Outlast 2 also saw its rating changed after the removal of a specific scene.
The path isn't necessarily closed for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact in Australia. The developers could appeal the decision by providing content justifications or making edits to comply with Australian standards. The possibility of a future release remains open.
