The high-profile new video game based on the “Halloween” film franchise has been banned in Australia and New Zealand.
The title, made in Unreal Engine 5, is a big ol’ tribute to John Carpenter’s 1978 original film, and the action takes place in Haddonfield on that night. The game boasts a single-player story mode, playing with bots offline, or facing others in online multiplayer, with each mode rewarding stealth, strategy, and skilful play.
IllFonic Publishing made the announcement online today, saying the title has been “refused classification in Australia” and thus has been banned. However, the reason for the ban isn’t anything to do with the game violence – rather it’s over the game’s use of drugs.
In response to a fan asking where the game is on PS5 in Australia, the official X account for the title released the following statement:
“Despite every effort on our part, the Australian Classifications Board has denied “Halloween: The Game” a rating. The denial was not based on the presence of the iconic slasher, Michael Myers, or the outstanding kills that can be performed in the game, but rather the presence of a controlled substance. Unfortunately, to our disappointment (and certainly yours) this means that we cannot sell the physical or digital product in both Australia and New Zealand.”
While they haven’t officially explained “the presence of a controlled substance” in the game, a report earlier this year suggested a player character can light a joint and smoke weed to get an advantage in the game.
The game is coming to everywhere else on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 8th. Digital pre-orders are now available.
Source: VGC
