Category Archives: Australia

As of today, R18+ games can be sold in Queensland, after the region’s Governor signed off on legislation vital to the movement.

More »

Nintendo of Australia has slapped release dates on a number of anticipated 3DS titles due in the next few months.

More »

Mortal Kombat will release in Australia on May 29, Kotaku reports. The ninth core entry in the gory fighter was refused classification back in 2011, and again in handheld form last year. After the introduction of an R18+ ratings category for video games on January 1 2013, Warner Bros resubmitted the title in its Komplete Edition form, and secured an adults only classification.

In Australia, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance has been delayed from an expected February 21 launch to February 26. A local representative told Kotaku that the change is down to a “last minute shipping delay”, and steps are being taken to prevent similar problems with future titles. The Platinum Games hack-and-slash effort hits PlayStation 3 and Xbox in the US on February 19 and Europe on February 22.

Screen Australia has decided how it will spend the $20 million Interactive Games Fund over the next few years.

More »

Having agree to implement legislation in a parliament meeting yesterday, Queensland has announced its support for Australia’s R18+ ratings category for video games.

More »

Australia’s average price for gaming software, hardware and accessories dropped by 15.4% year-on-year in 2012, to hit a new record low.

More »

The NPD Group Australia has released a report on 2012 retail sales showing a contraction in overall sales, but industry figures believe spend may have been diverted to non-traditional channels.

More »

PlayStation 3 came out ahead of the competition on total platform, software and hardware sales during 2012, Sony Australia has announced.

More »

God of War: Ascension is the latest game to earn the the coveted R18+ age classification in Australia. Lobby group Electronic Frontiers Australia has now called on Queensland residents to kick up a stink over the way mature games are handled at retail in the region.

More »

Australian and New Zealand Black Ops 2 players can get on board the $1 million Call of Duty Championship in qualifiers beginning next month.

More »

Microsoft and Apple, along with Adobe, have been summoned to appear at a public hearing as part of the ongoing parliamentary IT Pricing Inquiry. Kotaku reports all three companies failed to voluntarily answer questions about international price discrepancies, and are now legally required to do so on March 22. The IT Pricing Inquiry is designed to dismantle the “Australia Tax”, which has Australians paying up to 60% more than US consumers for technology and software, despite near-equal currency values, encouraging a flourishing parallel or “grey” import scene.

God of War Ascension is the latest game to earn Australia’s still-fledgling R18+ rating, and is being quietly banished from stores in Queensland, according to an alleged retailer email.

More »

Nintendo Australia has announced its getting in on Meloetta madness. Fans who visit select retailers with their DS or 3DS and a copy of and of the Pokémon Black & White games between March 4 and April 19 will be offered the chance to grab the powerful Pokémon. In Australia, EB Games and Target are participating, while New Zealanders will need to visit JB Hi-Fi. A list of participating outlets is available here.

Sony Australia has confirmed that the Azurite Blue and Garnet Red PS3 models will be available in Australia from February 21. The limited edition colours sport a 500GB hard drive, are available through select stockists only, and will set you back $400. They’ll also be available to Japanese and UK consumers.

Deadly Premonition: Director’s Cut has been confirmed for an Australian and New Zealand release, courtesy of publisher Rising Star Games. It comes after the establishing of an 18+ age rating certificate in Australia, following much political discussion and lobbying from gamers.

More »

Spartacus Legends lives up to its gory license if the Australian Classification Board’s assessment of its “high impact violence” is any guide.

More »

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge has won the dubious honour of attaining Australia’s first R18+ rating for a video game.

More »

God of War: Ascension won’t hit retail alone; Sony’s Australian representatives have sent over a few images of a new special edition Dual Shock 3 which will accompany the PlayStation 3 exclusive. The Kratos-themes controller will arrive in Australia on March 14. See it in full glory through the break.

More »

PAX Australia has expanded its capacity in response to popular demand, securing a new exhibition space and issuing more tickets. Although individual day passes were still available, Saturday was completely sold out, making it difficult for those hoping to attend the whole show to grab tickets. The new Saturday passes are already running low so if you’re thinking of attending the Melbourne event this July get on board immediately.

Thanks, MCV Pacific.