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News \ Michael Atkinson Explains his R18+ Rating Stance

South Australian attorney general Michael Atkinson has explained his stance regarding his decision against allowing an R18+ rating for videogames in Australia. He claims that such a rating would put 'children and vulnerable adults' at risk.

"I don’t support the introduction of an R18+ rating for electronic games, chiefly because it will greatly increase the risk of children and vulnerable adults being exposed to damaging images and messages," said Atkinson in a statement sent to GameSpot via email.

"Games have a much greater influence than viewing a movie does"
"The interactive nature of electronic games means that they have a much greater influence than viewing a movie does. People are participating and 'acting-out' violence and criminal behaviour when they are playing a video game. They are essentially rehearsing harmful behaviour. Children and vulnerable adults (such as those with a mental illness) can be harmed by playing video games with violence, sex, and criminal activity."

The attorney general has seen the adverse the effects of videogames in his own home.
"I have three sons who regularly play computer games at home - the eldest is now 22," noted Atkinson. "I see my children become physically and emotionally obsessed with games, and it is difficult to drag them away from the gaming console. The repeated act of killing a computer-generated person or creature desensitises children to violence."

Atkinson notes very few games have been refused classification
"Critics sometimes claim that I am ruining the game-development industry. There are very few computer games that are refused classification each year. In 2007/8 just three computer games were refused classification (Soldier of Fortune: Payback, Dark Sector, and Shellshock 2: Blood Trails). This represents a very small proportion of the 961 decisions made last financial year. In fact, only 55 were classified at the top existing rating of MA15+.

Last year the makers of Grand Theft Auto IV altered the game before submitting it for an MA15+ classification, and Silent Hill: Homecoming is under revision by its makers after being knocked back by the Classification Board. The lack of an R18+ classification is not preventing very many adult-themed video games reaching the shop shelves - but it is ensuring that scenes that don't comply with a MA15+ rating are removed."

Atkinson believes the restrictions on an adults liberty are worth it
"[Some] may believe that the present system restricts adult liberty. It certainly does restrict choice to a small degree, but that is the price of keeping this material from children and vulnerable adults. In my view, the small sacrifice is worth it."

Submitted by ICC_06 submit to digg 2 days ago 10

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Comments

Cherrona
Kudos: 3,839
Mates: 77

ehermo said:Besides, R18+ games should not be played by children, but as someone over 18+, if I wish to play those games, I should be allowed to. To say we can't have R18+ games because of children, or unstable adults, then why have R18+ films, and don't say that video games are more immersive, or some other bs, films, books, and music can be just as powerful.

If someone just watches horror films, listens to death metal, or plays violent games, chances are they may have problems. They may not. So what do you do? Make everything Disneyfied?
Sorry guys, you may not need or want R18+ games, but as a 18+ adult, that decision should be mine, not some PC freak in SA


I completely agree with you. The majority of gamers are adults, and as adults we should have a choice in what we play, watch, read, and listen to. If one person doesn't think the rating is needed, for whatever reason, then just don't play R rated games. It's as easy as that.

abuu91 said: The man is right. It should be left to be as it is.


Not anymore. Like I said, the majority of gamers are supposedly over 30. If it were only for kids, and if that's what developers thought, then there would be more cutesy "family friendly" games on all consoles. Just look at the 360 and PS3. Both seem to have hardcore adult gamers in mind.
2 hours ago
Silent Hill - The fear of blood tends to create fear for the flesh
repopulating
Kudos: 9,916
Mates: 105
pls dnt talk mr atkinson, u hav no idea
18 hours ago
Alex_TXD said: Umm, who are you to talk, you just joined recently and im a veteran at mymedia, I know heaps of members and been here for ages! You act all cool but in reality, your just acting tough
ehermo
Kudos: 21
Mates: 0
Quote: "The difference observed with games however is that you create the violence, rape, drug abuse, swearing and so on, unlike in movies and music where someone else has done it only for you to see and hear." End Quote





Well, if there is any violence, rape, drug abuse, swearing and so on, it is in the game. The user is not creating it as such, it is not a blank canvas, the game obviously is programed or geared toward these king of materials.

Also, you can try playing any of these games without indulging in said activities, it may make the game boring, or you may get killed because you refuse to shoot your gun,
at the end of the day, if you have a R18+ rating for films, but not for video games, it's a bit hypocritical.

Besides, R18+ games should not be played by children, but as someone over 18+, if I wish to play those games, I should be allowed to. To say we can't have R18+ games because of children, or unstable adults, then why have R18+ films, and don't say that video games are more immersive, or some other bs, films, books, and music can be just as powerful.

If someone just watches horror films, listens to death metal, or plays violent games, chances are they may have problems. They may not. So what do you do? Make everything Disneyfied?

Sorry guys, you may not need or want R18+ games, but as a 18+ adult, that decision should be mine, not some PC freak in SA.
20 hours ago
Bankstown, N.S.W.
abuu91
Kudos: 6,117
Mates: 75

ehermo said: While children should not be playing violent video games, as for "vunerable adults", well, just about anything may adversely affect them. From the Bible, to "Catcher In The Rye", to music, or any film, but we don't seem to ban them.

The gentleman, and I use that term loosely, seems to think, that if we can keep the R18+ rating out of Australia, then that's one less thing we have to worry about when it comes to the safety of children, and those who may not be able to control their inner urges.



The difference observed with games however is that you create the violence, rape, drug abuse, swearing and so on, unlike in movies and music where someone else has done it only for you to see and hear.
20 hours ago
gdmatts gf - Kiama, NSW
gdmatt
Kudos: 15,217
Mates: 21

abuu91 said: The man is right. It should be left to be as it is. Games are for kids. Kids are attracted to 18+ titles. Kids do bad things then blame the games.



Agreed. But people have to stop using games as a scapegoat, gives them a bad reputation.
1 days ago
abuu91s bf - Melbourne, Victoria
ehermo
Kudos: 21
Mates: 0
While children should not be playing violent video games, as for "vunerable adults", well, just about anything may adversely affect them. From the Bible, to "Catcher In The Rye", to music, or any film, but we don't seem to ban them.

The gentleman, and I use that term loosely, seems to think, that if we can keep the R18+ rating out of Australia, then that's one less thing we have to worry about when it comes to the safety of children, and those who may not be able to control their inner urges.
1 days ago
Bankstown, N.S.W.
Cliche
Kudos: 14
Mates: 0
I agree with you on this one. There is no real reason to introduce this rating for games. Then because its violent 'Kids' will want the game will appeal to them more.
1 days ago
Booth
abuu91
Kudos: 6,117
Mates: 75
The man is right. It should be left to be as it is. Games are for kids. Kids are attracted to 18+ titles. Kids do bad things then blame the games.
1 days ago
gdmatts gf - Kiama, NSW
Cherrona
Kudos: 3,839
Mates: 77
I admit that some people may get addicted to playing video games, but that's when it's up to parents to monitor their children and restrict the hours they spend playing.
The same with the content of the games children play. It all comes down to parents actually taking responsibility for their children.

As for his argument for 'vulnerable adults'...well, I can't really think of an argument against that.

Personally I don't believe violent video games desensitize people to violence. If that were true then I'd be a homicidal bitch all the time.

I think Mr Atkinson (trying to be polite and not call him all sorts of names ) is just pandering to votes. Wait, do Attorney Generals get voted in?
Anyway, I doubt he'll ever change his mind. He's too stuck in his ways. The only way we'll ever get an R18+ rating is when he retires or something.

I have a feeling I'm in the minority here at MyPSP when it comes to wanting an R18+ rating though. I have a feeling I'm one of the few members here who would be legally allowed to play such games.
(don't yell at me! For the record most of the members here are really mentally mature, much more than most people over 18 I've met).
1 days ago
Silent Hill - The fear of blood tends to create fear for the flesh
fatpumba3
Kudos: 114
Mates: 3
I just don't see the need to play such grossly violent games.
2 days ago
Sydney,Australia
Wii-Fan
Kudos: 73
Mates: 1
Dude whatever none of this is about the fact that videogames affect people more or whatever. Its about an adults right to view the content they want to view pornography might get into kids hands but that doesn't mean its banned. The hostel might get into kids hand but it isn't banned
2 days ago
Melbourne, Victoria
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