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Valve investigating R18+ options for Left 4 Dead 2 in Australia

Publisher says it has been exploring the legal options surrounding the re-submission of Left 4 Dead 2 in Australia under the new R18+ adult classification.

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Valve has responded to user questions on the Steam forums surrounding the release of an unedited version of Left 4 Dead 2 in Australia, following the introduction of an R18+ classification for video games.

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Posting on the official Steam forums, Valve's Chet Faliszek told users the publisher has been exploring its options and investigating the legalities of what would be involved in releasing Left 4 Dead 2 in Australia with an adult rating.

"No need to flood us with emails," Faliszek wrote. "We have been exploring the options here and what we can legally do. We will have more information on this when we understand the issues fully and how we are moving forward but don't worry any cost associated with it doesn't worry us, this is something we want to do."

Left 4 Dead 2 was initially banned by the Australian Classification Board in September 2009 for "realistic, frenetic and unrelenting violence". Valve responded by re-submitting two versions of the game to the Board: the original, unaltered version and one with some modifications.

A modified version of Left 4 Dead 2 was later released in Australia. This version of the game removed decapitation and limb dismemberment.

Earlier this month, the Classification Board confirmed that the first title to receive the new R18+ rating in Australia will be Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge for the Wii U. The game will be published by Nintendo, but currently has no release date in Australia.

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