Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Australia's lack of an R 18+ rating
Asher Moses is reporting on the outrage caused by leaked footage of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which allows players to play the part of a terrorist as part of a cut-scene.
Once again, this story really shows how expressive video games can be. They're constructed, like films, to elicit emotional responses in players, and some of them deal with fairly gritty subject matter. Films often show the villain's perspective, and by doing that, they get across the character story and the heinous nature of people who carry out atrocities. Games, too, are becoming more expressive, and are telling more involved stories. From the reports I've seen of the CoD:MW2 footage, it seems to be trying to tell the story of a truly evil character, setting the scene for the player's main role of stopping the terrorists.
We do not ban films that tell such expressive stories, and we need to realise that computer games, like gamers, have grown up. Most interestingly, Infinity Ward appear to acknowledge that the game is aimed at an Adult audience - it's MA 15+ rating in Australia is lower than elsewhere. If we're concerned about allowing people to make informed decisions about what games they want to play, and empowering parents to make those decisions for their children, it really seems like it's time that we should introduce an R 18+ rating.
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Unfortunately, anything more than MA 15+ is only going to happen over Michael Atkinson's dead body.
Atkinson did agree to the discussion paper. I think we need to focus efforts on the Commonwealth now - they're the ones who are holding it up.
FTA: "South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson, said: "Expecting game designers to be responsible by not glorifying terrorism will always lead to disappointment.""
These are not the words of a person who is open to discussion.
Unless the discussion paper manages to remove his ability to veto changes (as he has always done) I don't see it being much use. It will just join all the other debate he is unwilling to listen to.
Expecting Michael Atkinson to be responsible by not injecting his personal agenda into the execution of his duties will always lead to disappointment.
Perhaps; I'm not sure how the discussion paper process will play out, but pressuring the Commonwealth is really our best shot at the moment.
I am the admin of a MW2 site http://www.themodernwarfare.com and I've been playing the MA call of duty 4 online with ages that go down to 12yrs old. I've been a gamer all my life and I can tell you the level of game quality has improved. However, even though the actual game is awesome for kids the excessive swearing and abuse though using the headset during online play is a bit much.
If parents don't mind their kids being called a 'stupid noOb bitch' then it's all good.
Cheers, Liam
I think we should NOT have an R18+ rating in Australia after all kids these days play MA15+ games and there only 6yrs old what difference does it make if our kids grow up and join the army or become a rebel it just does not matter any more. So too all you idiots how want a R18+ rating I just have two words for you
I think we should NOT have an R18+ rating in Australia after all kids these days play MA15+ games and there only 6yrs old what difference does it make if our kids grow up and join the army or become a rebel it just does not matter any more. So too all you idiots how want a R18+ rating I just have two words [ed: removed]
18+ is needed, you dont see 6 yr olds watching 18+ movies do you? MA is often allowed by younger audiences because its barely distinguishable from M which is also supposedly 15 years old aswell. 18+ allows the people who are over this age to play the games and not be restricted due to a few children. what is wrong with joining the army anyway? retailers wont allow children to buy the game and if they have a parent buy it for them then it doesnt change anything.
[edited to remove personal attacks.]
If six-year-olds are playing MA15+ games then it is because their parents have made a decision to purchase the game for them.
An R18+ rating would make video games available to only adults, just as the same rating for movies means the movies are only available to adults. Children would not be able to purchase the games, and parents would be able to make a better informed decision about what their child plays.
Children should be alould to watch bloodly movies were peoples bodies get played with like footballs and any way all you adults always say is dont do this dont do that well im sick of it we are capaboll of looking after our selfs once we pass the age of 5yrs of age so I say ALL kids should be aloud to play Modern Warfare 2 just because of a stupid rating you people critersise over nothing a perfict game that can not harm any and I mean any one so I just hope you under stand this from a childs point of view
P.S
I am getting Modern Warfare 2 next week and you adults cant do a thing about it!!!!!
this website is [profanity removed] and hope you people can finally figure out the difference between real life and pixels
re: apache: You may want to read the blog post (and at least some of the rest of the site) before jumping to conclusions. We are greatly opposed to banning games.
You know what John you are right about my spelling but the thing your wrong about is how old I am you [inflammatory content removed].
Perhaps once you are 'capaboll' of at least basic spelling, then you might be considered old enough to put your opinion across on a serious issue, let alone be 'aloud' to watch 'bloodly' movies and play games intended for an adult market.
The fact of the matter is thhat parents do not realise that in australia, games that are probably not suitable for children are given ratings of 15+ as the only other option is to ban them entirely. Many games are banned in Australia simply because our rating system doesn't cater for adults. As the graphics get better and better, more an more games will be banned, meaning that in 8 years when you are old enough to play these games, you won't be able to, just like everyone else.
Do a little bit of research before you come and 'critersise' other people's opinions. Not all children are capable of looking after them 'selfs' at age 6, hate to break it to you buddy.
john u a sad man that probably dit on ur ... all day
Call of duty modern warfare 2 is highly over rated as an 18 and should never even have been considerd to be an 18 and if you ask me it I would have rated it a 12 cheers chris
John if you are going to tell me what is right and wrong I will [ threat removed - ed]
I think that's probably enough, Hitman. Please refrain from posting direct personal attacks here in future.
What's a label going to stop? The only thing that needs to be changed are the opinions of people who take the content as offensive. If you don't like it, don't watch it. There is always an option to turn it off, right?
In my opinion, this game is of high quality and has a very complex story line.
Its twists and turns make you want to see more.
the content isn't offensive unless you were brought up in a family with an up tight christian backroud.
strong themes though.
peace!
Unfortunately i cant help but think that these issues with game classifications may be somewhat promoting internet piracy.. plus the fact that you can still get hold of 18+ copies of this game and many others if you know where to look does nothing to help the causes that are opposed to these ratings. Maybe its time to have a look at how the government is set up, are we not part of a democratic country? how is it possible for one person to dictate what is suitable for the masses?
Why are parental controls not set up on game console's to stop unsuitable material being displayed for underage users?
I for one purchase all my games from the Uk and get them sent home, its actually cheaper to this than buy them from the store..
Artificial restrictions have always promoted hacking (and cracking, if you are a purist). Classifications are merely another restriction that will penalise those who respect the rules (and if a rating of RC is given to a game it is worth remembering that it isn't illegal to buy or own it - merely to sell it domestically).
This is the reality of a globally connected world. The very fact that you buy your games overseas indicates that national borders are less important than governments would like them to be.
The most likely scenario for an R18+ classification for games in Australia is that it won't happen - and that people will simple ignore it and find solutions that work around it. If the Government wishes to devalue respect for the law by making stupid and unenforceable edicts in direct opposition to the will of the people then there is little we can do about that.
Michael Atkinson will keep thinking he's a moral champion, whilst the rest of us suffer the embarrassment of this buffoon ordering the tides to stop (which makes sense when you consider that he and his peers probably can't even program the date on a VCR - whilst the rest of us are skipping BluRay uptake because why would you even *want* something so inflexible as physical media? They're simply too old and inflexible to get it - it's conservatives smashing Elvis records all over again). Ultimately, Atkinson is an annoyance - people will get their media regardless, just not legally.
I believe the biggest issue here is the lack of parenting thats going on. Parents complain all the time that these games are to violent and that they don't want there children exposed to these kinds of adult themes, yet parents still go out of there way to buy these games for there children. Parents need to realize that todays games are not your cute little plumber men anymore. Games have now taken a more adult approach to story telling. The average gamer is aged roughly between 18 and 34. Ultimately parents need to take a tougher stance with their children and video games. Which is why I believe that an R18+ rating is desperately needed in this country. Parents often see the M rating and MA15+ rating as basically the same thing. If we introduced the R18+ rating, games such as Grand Theft Auto, Fallout, Modern Warfare 2 will correctly classified, parents will see these R18+ ratings on these games and most likely decide against buying these games for there children. Some people think that a rating won't make a difference, but believe me, it will. I work in this industry, I see parents buying these games for there children all the time. I advise against i, but they still do it anyway and yet they still complain that there child is playing a game that is way to violent. Introduce the R18+ rating and I promise you will see a decline in underage kids playing adult video games
"Unfortunately, anything more than MA 15+ is only going to happen over Michael Atkinson’s dead body."
That can be arranged.
A rating isnt gonna do s@&#, people will always find ways to play whatever they want. It's not hard for for a minor to get hold of R18+ movies......Its called the bloody internet.
also, if parents don't like there children playing the 'violent' games then i suggest reading the F-ING cover before buying them! (it's called responsibilty and if they do let there kids get hold of the game then noticing the violence later, then thats not being responsible).
Michael atkinson is a stupid a-hole and should quit his job before making even more people hate him >:D *waves wooden club around in the air*
How can you possibly make such a comment on such a game?
Sure, it is violent, but if it gives people a sense of joy should it not be hassled? I understand what you're saying and all, but, my friend and I had one hell of a time playing this game, Call of Duty-Modern Warfare 2-, and so to speak, we're not technically the legal age to play/experience this game if your comment were to actually come and be allowed into existence.
Your logic is perfectly fine, but, I beg to differ on the matter at hand.
Why are barbie princess games rated 'G'? Doesn't it promote younger girls (less possibly boys) to be like barbie? Be wafer thin like the character and maybe put themselves through pain to achieve it? The media thinks it's all okay because it is non violent and doesn't have any swearing or cursing in it. But what are the subliminal messages behind it and what goes on quietly in their brains?
Just think about it.
Sabel, you make a really good point. I think a lot of us forget that we all watched and experienced R rated content when we were minors, and often really enjoyed it, with no (or little) ill-effects.
I guess the real issue is still that it ought to be up to every parent to determine whether or not a particular game or movie is suitable for their children - including ones rated R18+.
Australia has not intraduced "R 18+" for games. And I find it hard to see why they won't make a "R 18+" rating. we have it for movies but not games. Why?
They really need to introduce the R18+ classification. And while i am an avid fan of the game, i must say it definitely deserves this classification. Some of the content is quite (unnecessarily) graphic. The subject matter alone makes it worthy imo.
I myself are a 13 year old gamer. I HAVE played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and to be quite honest in terms of playing as a terrorist I didn't find anything wrong with the developers putting it in. I loved the game and will be playing it 2 player with my dad in a few minutes.
I believe that an R18+ rating on video games is a stupid idea because most of the games that people in my age group and even lower are the games that DO have an MA15+ rating. If a parent does not want their child playing these games they should just not buy the game for their child.
Playing a game with excessive violence is NOT going to change the way normal children behave. Kids AREN'T stupid and most wouldn't act on the portraying of a story in a video game. Yes there are some children out there that have problems, but why should people such as my friends and I not be allowed to have fun because of the minority?
Ultimately yes, it does come down to the parents decision. An R18+ classification rating WOULD change the games I play because my parents would not let me play an R18+ game no matter what the content(that's if i would still keep playing games).
However, if the minority of children (as stated above) do not get to play these games what would they be doing otherwise? The video game takes away from reality. Without it they may act like the game in real life.
In closing: WE should act on the MAJORITY not the MINORITY!
here we go, classification is up for review.
http://www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification
I'm assuming the only people that get to vote on this game classification change are adults but that is stupid because the people it directly affects are under 18.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Jake: The only effect a change in legislation would have for persons under 18 is that games previously editted for an MA15+ rating would be released in their original R18+ form. The classification change would mainly affect adults over 18, as they would be the ones benefitting from the new classification.
Claire: Yes, I understand that and that is my argument. The main argument put forward for the legislation is that violence and other 'bad' material in games are affecting children, however this legislation wouldn't benefit children at all it's benefiting adults.
Claire: What I'm trying to say is that whilst the main argument for the legislation is supposed to be to benefit minors, all that it is going to do is benefit adults and if anything, it will do the exact opposite for the kids.
Jake: Adults will be able to play adult games. That is the entire point of changing the law, allowing adults to make their own entertainment choices. The law has been proposed primarily for the benefit of adult gamers. The proposed change will not affect children at all: they can't access adult content now, and they wont be able after the changes are made.
I fail to see how persons under the age of 18 could be negatively affected by the introduction of an R18+ rating. Not being able to access content that is inappropriate for their age group is a bad thing?
I'm not sure where you got the idea that the law change was supposed to benefit minors.
Claire: "...and empowering parents to make those decisions for their children, it really seems like it’s time that we should introduce an R 18+ rating."
If you did a survey on the games that children aged about 10-17 almost all of the games would be rated at least M and a fair few of them would be MA15+.
Now for parents who are in the majority and have a 'normal' child that would not be affected by game content (as stated above), they have the choice to buy for their child an MA15+ game. However if the legislation came in, children would not be able to play these games and are left with games that are aimed at a lower audience and therefore less entertaining.
Claire: In the end all its going to change is that kids cant play the games they want to but adults get the games they want without censorship.
Jake, you seem to misunderstand what the classification system does, or what the changes would mean for Australians.
The point of the classification system is to help people make informed decisions about they read, watch, listen to and play. Part of this is deciding whether such content should be made available to people of all ages. It is not supposed to completely replace a parent's judgement, but to assist in the decision making by letting the parent know that the game is considered adult (and that it contains violence and bad language, for example).
The new R18+ rating would not replace the MA15+ rating. Persons aged 15 or over would still be able to purchase the same games they were able to before. Parents would still be able to purchase the games for their children under the age of 15.
The new rating would instead allow many games previously refused classfication in Australia to be rated and made available to the public. These are games with content deemed inappropriate for persons under the age of 18, including nudity, excessive violence, adult themes, drug use, and so on. Because of the highly adult nature of the games, they would only be available for purchase by adults. There would still be games not permitted in Australia, much as there are movies, books, and magazines which have also been refused classification.
Nothing is currently stopping parents from buying MA15+ games for their children. This would not change.
Nothing is currently stopping 15+ year olds from purchasing MA15+ games. This would not change.
The lack of R18+ rating is currently stopping adults from purchasing adult games. This would change, INCLUDING parents buying R18+ games for their children.
In the end all its going to change is that adults would be able to play games appropriate for them. THAT'S IT.
I think that an 18 y/o rating should not be used although maybe some sort parents approval needed rating could be utalised. Most parents get lied to by their children about whether or not a game is violent. Education is also vital because most parents dont even know about the games or ratings.
@Hitman224
Please if your got anything Logical to say that makes sense and take time and spell properly then do so if not please stop wasting your time with Jibberish and Childish talk
@Jake
Dont be so Paranoid the R18+ rating is used to put games that are not suitable for Under 18 to be sold in Australia for the supposed Target Audience and not for Minors do you think the Original Lesuire Suit Larry games where made for 15 year olds? Or Custer's Revenge back in the day. I understand if I was under the age of 18 and was missing out on games Like GTA, Left 4 Dead and others I to would be annoyed but that dosent mean every thing has to be made for every one under 18. If the Goverment add a 17+ rating then most of those game would be a bit more easier to get but there needs to be a balance.
@Jordon
Children are not the only people who buy games. The R18+ rating would be for adults, not children.
Besides, what else would the M, MA15+ and R18+ games be than "parents approval needed" ratings when kids are buying? By introducing an R18+ rating, game ratings would match film ratings, and parents are doing a good job understanding those right now.
THEY BETTER BLOODY NOT PUT AN R 18+ RATING ON GAMES IN AUSTRALIA!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU! SOME ONE WHO AGREES WITH ME! Now why would you not want there to be an R 18+ rating on games?
I\'m a gamer,
and i don\'t believe i see anything wrong with this game.
we are seeing violence everyday of our lives. and now the government wants to fucking control what we do. as in an internet block last time i checked we don\'t want to be apart of the list of countries with internet blocks e.g china, north Korea etc.
i have played the mission before. as i had bought a copy a week after release. there is nothing desensitizing about it. its a fucking game get the fuck over it. thats how i view it.
dear Mr Michael Atkinson stop trying to control us. besides banning it wont stop it from being outflowed in Australia. ever heard of Ebay? ever heard of peer to peer downloading then picking up a serial key?
get a real fucking job.
ciao
~JMF~
JMF... I think you summed that up quite nicely.
I think games should have a rating of 18+, this allows parents to make a more informed decision. I am a parent and I don't agree with the excessive violence , swearing etc. This is not a normal lifestyle and children will accept it as being such. Just look at the way they speak to each other, to adults and to persons of authority. However, I do agree that some parents don't "parent" and just want to be mates... which is sad in itself (there goes the respect factor!)And yes I do monitor what my children play and watch on tv.
Thanks Sue, that's an important point to make. Please consider making a submission to the consultation process (due today!): http://www.efa.org.au/2010/02/26/efa-and-ausgamers-submission-on-r18-games/
Sure, introduce an R18+ rating, it won't make much of a difference. It ultimately comes down to the parents decision, if they know what's in the game and find it too violent for their kids, so be it. Parents these days are too strict on their kids, we only live once (maybe) so just let us live our lives instead of shunning us into what's supposed to be a better place. Most parents acknowledge the fact that it's just a game and no one really cares what happens in their.
In summary, IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE PARENTS.
Unfortunatly parents don't realise that the games are very violent due to the ratings. However, in regards to COD modern warfare ( x box version) do you REALLY think its alright to kill a dog by wrenching its head around, or is it ok to have blood splatter onto the screen when you shoot someone????? I for one think this is far too graphic and this is only rated MA15+! This is an adults game and should not be permitted to be played by children who are far too impressionable. Yes I know it's JUST a game but do children have to experience this kind of violence so early in their life. You're an adult a long time so let children be children while they can. This should be rated R+
Firstly, I am the poster from above. I am 13.
Secondly, Kamil, I am guessing that you are under the age of 18. You have valid arguments but please learn English grammar. The last word in the first paragraph should have been 'there' not 'their.
Now, lastly, Sue. Yes i do believe it is alright to kill a dog or have a blood splatter on the screen in a game that was designed for entertainment. I personally do not think it was essential to have the blood splatter but if you we offended or just thought it was too much for children then why not just eliminate that from the game?
Sue, back to your first statement: "Unfortunately parents don't realise that the games are very violent due to the ratings." On the front of my copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 I believe it very clearly states "MA15+. Strong Violence."
MA15+ is currently the highest rating for video games and I am fairly sure "Strong Violence" is self-explanatory.
sorry if this out of this consecutive eronic bull but don,t you think some countrys could ease up on some games sure some deserve the rating of r18+ but some in a way don,t concerning MW2 thanks.
ok im 16 atm and iv got this game i beleave that we should get an 18+ as it helps the parents distiguish between the good and the bad iv have a 6 year old playing with me on MW2 and we were mature and kept it all pg for him but kids that age shouldnt even be able to get it i personly have got games that are 18+ in america and some even banned in australia. the world is changeing but the rateing is staying the same they say they want more monny if they alow the 18+ then the tax will help them no?