Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia, No Reason Given

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: No Australian Release

An RC rating prohibits the sale, rental, advertisement, and importation of the game within Australia. The board's statement indicates the content violates generally accepted community standards, exceeding the limits of even the R 18+ and X 18+ ratings.

While the reasons for an RC rating are generally well-defined, the decision regarding Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact is unexpected. The official trailer contains no overt sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use; it presents itself as a typical fighting game. However, unshown content may exist, or there might be correctable errors affecting the classification.

A Second Chance is Possible

Australia's history with game bans and subsequent reversals is well-documented. Games have been banned and later re-rated after modifications. The board has demonstrated a willingness to reconsider its decisions if developers make appropriate changes or provide sufficient justifications.

For example, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut initially received an RC rating due to drug use depictions, but the game's portrayal of the negative consequences eventually led to a revised rating. Similarly, Outlast 2 secured an R18+ rating after removing a scene of sexual violence.

This means the Australian ban on Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact isn't necessarily final. The developers or publisher could appeal the decision by justifying the content or by making alterations to comply with Australian classification guidelines. The possibility of a future release in Australia remains open.