Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned Down Under

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, the anticipated fighting game, has been banned in Australia by the Australian Classification Board, receiving a Refused Classification (RC) rating on December 1st. The Board offered no explanation for this surprising decision.

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned Down Under

Refused Classification: What it Means

An RC rating prohibits the game's sale, rental, advertisement, or import into Australia. The Board states that RC-rated content surpasses the acceptable limits of even the R 18+ and X 18+ categories, violating generally accepted community standards.

While the criteria for an RC rating are generally well-defined, the game's ban is unexpected. The official trailer displays typical fighting game content, lacking explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use. However, unclassified content within the game may be the cause, or perhaps correctable errors led to the initial refusal.

A Second Chance is Possible

Australia's history with game bans and subsequent reversals is well-documented. Games like Pocket Gal 2 and even The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings initially received RC ratings but were later reclassified after modifications.

The Classification Board demonstrates flexibility; it will reconsider decisions if developers make edits, censor content, or provide adequate justifications. Examples include Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (drug use context) and Outlast 2 (removal of a sexual violence scene), both initially refused but later granted ratings after revisions.

Therefore, the Australian ban doesn't necessarily signal the end for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact. The developers can appeal the decision by either justifying the existing content or modifying it to meet classification requirements. The possibility of a future release in Australia remains open, pending a successful appeal.