The sequel to Outlast, the first-person survival horror game developed by Red Barrels won’t be coming to Australian audiences in its current state after being refused classification by the Australian Government.
After being appealed for reconsideration by Australian publisher 18point2, the Classification Board has confirmed its stance on the game being not appropriate for adult audiences even with the highest rating of R18+.
The official ruling states the following.
The computer game is classified RC in accordance with the National Classification Code, Computer Games Table, 1. (a) as computer games that “depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified.”
While no specific instances were included in the classification, the original demo for Outlast 2 was allowed through with an R18+ rating. Since the demo doesn’t include the full experience it would be interesting to see what particular scene would cause such a change in classification. We’ll have wait for an official word from 18point2 or Red Barrels before confirming any alterations to the game or simply order a physical copy from an overseas retailer.
Outlast 2 was originally set to release on PC, XBOX One and Playstation 4 on April 25th.