Hunter x Hunter Mobile Game Removed Down Under

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: What it Means

An RC rating prohibits the sale, rental, advertisement, and import of the game within Australia. The board states that RC-rated content surpasses the acceptable limits of even the R18+ and X18+ categories, violating generally accepted community standards.

While the reasons for an RC rating are typically clear, the decision regarding Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact is unexpected. The game's launch trailer doesn't depict explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use – presenting itself as a standard fighting game.

However, the game may contain unseen explicit material, or there might be correctable technical issues affecting its classification.

Second Chances and Past Precedents

Australia's history with game bans and subsequent reversals is well-documented. The Classification Board has a track record of initially refusing classification, only to overturn the decision after revisions. Past examples include Pocket Gal 2 and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, both initially banned for explicit content, but later reclassified after modifications.

The board demonstrates a willingness to reconsider its rulings if developers make changes to address concerns. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut and Outlast 2, initially refused classification, secured ratings after content adjustments relating to drug use and sexual violence respectively.

This suggests a path forward for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact. The developer or publisher could appeal the decision by providing justifications for the content or by implementing modifications to meet classification guidelines. The Australian Classification Board's decision isn't necessarily final.