Aliens vs. Predator won't be edited for Australia

Australia's Classification Board has developed a reputation in recent years for its draconian stance on violence in games. This week, the Classification Board effectively banned Sega and Rebellion's Aliens vs. Predator by refusing to grant it an MA 15+ rating, the highest allowable for games. According to the board's decision, AVP's depiction of "explicit decapitation and dismemberment as well as locational damage" was a primary factor for the game's ban.

Many developers, including Valve and Bethesda, opt to censor their products by toning down the violence to adhere to the Classification Board's standards. However, Rebellion has decided to simply not release AVP in the region. In a statement, the UK-based studio noted that it was upset that the game was refused classification but said that it will not be altering the game to make it acceptable by the Classification Board's standards.

"Rebellion is disappointed that its upcoming title Aliens vs. Predator has been banned in Australia," Rebellion said. "However, as we understand the law in that country, the authorities had no choice as we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults."

"The content of AVP is based on some of the most innovative and iconic horror movies, and as such we wanted to create a title that was true to the source material. It is for adults, and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent. We will not be releasing a sanitized or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices."

Aliens vs. Predator is due to arrive elsewhere in the world this February for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. For more on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.