‘Hunter x Hunter’ Game Banned in Australia Over NSFW Content

The Australian Classification Board has refused to classify the upcoming fighting game ‘Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact’, effectively banning its release in Australia. The board cited a scene where an adult male character exposes himself to minors, describing it as a visual depiction of implied sexual violence. They noted that this act is implicitly condoned due to a lack of narrative resolution and is not justified by context.
This decision aligns with Australia’s history of strict content regulations. In 2013, ‘Grand Theft Auto 5’ received an R18+ rating for high-impact drug use and strong themes. Similarly, ‘Saints Row 4’ and ‘Hotline Miami 2’ faced bans for content deemed extreme.
‘Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact’ was initially slated for a 2024 release on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. However, the developers postponed it to 2025 to implement rollback netcode for improved online play.
The scene in question resembles a moment from the ‘Greed Island’ arc of the ‘Hunter x Hunter’ manga and anime. In that arc, the character Hisoka, known for his unsettling behavior, exposes himself to young protagonists Gon and Killua while bathing. This incident makes the characters uncomfortable, but the narrative does not address it further.
The Australian Classification Board’s report emphasizes that implied sexual violence, especially when involving minors and lacking narrative resolution, is unacceptable. They state that such content, when visually depicted and not justified by context, is not permitted.
As of now, it’s unclear if the game’s publishers will appeal the decision or modify the content to meet Australia’s classification standards. The game’s release in other regions remains unaffected, with the new launch window set for 2025.
This situation highlights the challenges developers face when navigating varying content standards across countries. It also underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and adherence to local regulations in the global gaming industry.
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