Queensland passes R18+ rating for video games

Late yesterday Queensland passed legislation that allows for the classification and sale of R18+ video games in the state. A statement released by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleiji confirmed that the introduction of the rating would "prevent underage gamers from being exposed to inappropriate material."

Gamers who wish to purchase R18+ classified video games will be required to provide identification, as they would any other restricted goods. The new rating puts the state in line with the rest of the country, which enacted complimentary state legislation ahead of January 1, 2013.

The Queensland Government did not join other Australian states and territories in introducing the classification rating early this year, instead awaiting the results of a Legal Affairs and Community Safety report to be released before voting. The legislation was originally introduced in the Queensland Parliament on October 31, 2012, before being referred to the committee.

The introduction of the R18+ rating in Queensland comes a week after PlayStation 3-exclusive title God of War: Ascension was pulled from retailer store shelves. The game had allegedly been granted the newly-introduced R18+ rating, which meant that despite being available in all other parts of the country, could not be sold in Queensland prior to the introduction of the adult rating.

For more information on the introduction of a R18+ rating for video games in Australia, read our Q&A.