Australia's videogame censorship is ridiculous. We are basically the only developed, democratic nation in the world that still holds onto an archaic ratings system that relies fundamentally on the definition of video games as exclusively used by children.
It's reared its head again today, as Rockstar confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 4 (which is probably the most ridiculously hyped game ever) had to be modified to fit into a MA15+ rating - the highest possible videogame rating before the OFLC declares a game "refused classification" - and therefore, illegal to sell in Australia.
The absence of an adults rating (which would logically be R18+) is incredibly condescending and frustrating to adult gamers, who now form an overwhelming majority of videogaming's markets. Despite logic, research, and popular opinion making it seem obvious that an addition to the classifications system is nessecary, ignorant officials such as South-Australian attorney-general Michael Atkinson continue to block any motion to change the law. Like the annoying kid at the cinemas who won't stop shouting in the silence, people like this ruin everybody's fun for no logical reason by simply doing things that annoy almost everybody except for themselves. When somebody designated to reflect the will of the public comes to the conclusion that the fastest growing entertainment medium in the world, with the majority of its users being adults, should not allow games designed for adults to be sold in Australia at all, they have clearly become completely irrelevant and need to be relieved of their duties. This way, their ignorant railing against games they have never seen in an entertainment genre that they have never played don't actually spoil anyone else's fun.
I mean, in terms of practical uses it hasn't been that important so far. The content removed from GTA will be anecdotal if not unnoticable, and most games banned have been rubbish anyway. But it's infuriating that we are still faced with this ridiculous kind of censorship.
In other news, the new Panic at the Disco song is a lot of fun, but the album in general reminds me way too much of Silverchair's Diorama. It's not quite as bad, and certainly doesn't take itself as seriously, but it has the same self-conscious attempt (and by attempt, i mean it is really obvious in the way it strives) to come across as an "opus", a timeless classic in the vein of Pet Sounds or OK Computer that is grandiose, consise, and timeless. Unfortunately, like Silverchair, PATD haven't realised that tacking some string arrangements and slightly modifying their song structures doesn't achieve this - instead, it comes across as hackneyed and overdone, carrying with it the same amount of class as a wannabe celebrity in an ill-fitting dress with a fake leather Prada bag from Chinatown on their arm. Who takes themselves far, far too seriously.
But yeah, that first single is still pretty fun.
Tonight was going to belong to Baseball, but i'm only just coming out of the most hectic flu in years, plus i've hardly slept properly. I think tonight now belongs to green tea, my ridiculous chocolate and liquorice darrel lea easter egg, and either John Hughes films or Wrestlemania 24.
Far too much complaining by me. Let's focus on something awesome. Here's an amazing comic that i got sent last night.
It's by Matt Furie, whos book I now plan on getting.
Over and out.
1 comment:
Panic At The Disco? Man, you're worrying me.
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