UPDATE 5:07 pm 24/3/17: As reported by Kotaku AU, it will be in fact be a modified version of Outlast 2, not the original, that will receive the R18+ rating in Australia. Developer Red Barrels’ original statement to Press Start was later contradicted by the Classification Board, who said “the original version of the game that was refused classification has been modified to allow the game to be classified R18+”. No details about the changes have been provided.
It has now been confirmed that Outlast 2 will receive a classification and an R18+ rating at launch in Australia. After being appealed for reconsideration by Australian publisher 18point2, the Classification Board has flipped its stance on the game being not appropriate for adults and has allowed the highest rating of R18+ to be slapped on the box.
As seen on the official classification page, Outlast 2 contains High impact levels of violence, gore and sexual themes not appropriate for younger audiences. This is a major change from the original rating for the Outlast 2 demo that was also let through with an R18+ rating.
After being recently refused classification by the Australian Classification Board, fans of the series may be afraid the game might have been changed along the way. Developer Red Barrels has confirmed in a statement to Press Start Australia that there will only be one version of the game releasing worldwide so we don’t miss out.
Outlast 2 is now set to release on PC, XBOX One and Playstation 4 on April 26th.