Anti-R18+ site urges people to stop "discussing" issue

With the end of the public consultation into the introduction of an R18+ for games in Australia drawing near, an increasing number of groups are making their position on the issue known.

Last week GameSpot AU talked to the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL), whose managing director Jim Wallace stated that violent video games can desensitize players to the act of killing through simulation and repetition. A contradicting point of view was put forward by Australia's top game retailers, who told GameSpot AU they'd be willing to alter the way they sell adult games to accommodate the new R18+ rating if required.

The latest addition to the R18+ debate is Web site www.nor18games.com.au, which urges its readers to vote against the R18+ classification in the government's discussion paper. "Once you start 'discussing' a topic, you open up the way for the law to be changed!" the Web site's homepage reads.

The site goes on to claim that the interactive nature of games makes them more of a threat than films or other forms of media, as detailed in a number of "studies." No specific examples of which studies the site refers to are detailed.

"Despite the many studies and examples of game-linked violence, the proponents for the importing of R18+ and X-rated games argue that it is an individual’s right to watch or play whatever they want and that the repeated playing of such extreme acts will not lead to harmful effects on players’ beliefs or values," the site says.

"However, just ask them 'If you can graphically simulate murdering, raping, mutilating, torturing somebody, etc, in a video game, what aspect of your character will be enhanced by doing so?' Their response? There is not one single "benefit" of R18+ games that will enhance or improve character!"

The site also contains a "Help Campaign," which includes fliers, posters, and a petition sheet for those wishing to campaign against the introduction of an R18+ for games, as well as a number of articles from mainstream media about the classification and the public consultation.