Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, the upcoming 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 decision.

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia

Refused Classification Rating

While the criteria for an RC rating are established, the decision regarding Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact is surprising. The game's launch trailer doesn't depict explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use; it appears to be a standard fighting game. However, unrated content may exist beyond the trailer, or there might be correctable errors impacting the classification.

Potential for Reconsideration

Australia's history with game bans and subsequent reversals is well-documented. Games have been banned since 1996, with some, like The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, initially receiving RC ratings but later achieving MA 15+ after modifications.

The Classification Board is open to reviewing its decisions if developers make changes. Examples include Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (drug use re-evaluation) and Outlast 2 (removal of a sexual violence scene). By addressing or removing problematic content, developers can often overturn RC ratings.

Therefore, the Australian ban on Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact isn't necessarily final. The developer or publisher can appeal the decision by justifying the content or making alterations to meet classification standards. The possibility of a future release in Australia remains open.