Illicit deeds have just gotten a new Halloween video game banned in Australia – and it’s not because of the violence
The video game 'Halloween: The Game' has been banned in Australia because it allows players to use marijuana to gain a gameplay advantage. The Classification Board cited strict guidelines regarding the incentivization of illicit drug use.
Why it matters
The ban sparks debate over the consistency of Australian media classification standards, particularly regarding the distinction between violence and drug-related gameplay mechanics.
A still from Halloween: The Game. The ability for players to smoke marijuana to detect an enemy has resulted in the game being banned in Australia. Photograph: Illfonic A still from Halloween: The Game. The ability for players to smoke marijuana to detect an enemy has resulted in the game being banned in Australia. Photograph: Illfonic Games Illicit deeds have just gotten a new Halloween video game banned in Australia – and it’s not because of the violence Academics – and a former director of Australia’s Classification Board – say Halloween: The Game’s ban due to ‘incentivised drug use’ highlights an incoherent set of standards
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