Queensland steps up for an R18+ game classification

Queensland acknowledges that not all games are for kids

It may seem a little silly for no-one to have thought of this sooner, what with all our displeasure with Michael Atkinson, but the R18+ classification is again back in the headlines, and this time it’s something positive.

Some canny gamer (well, we assume anyway) in the Australian state of Queensland has managed to gain the support of their local member of parliament, and begun a petition to be presented to the state government asking that Queensland itself gain a state specific R18+ rating. The parliamentary member sponsoring it? The Honourable Kate Jones, the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability

Now I know most gamers are typically pessimistic of petitions (how well did that dedicated servers for Modern Warfare 2 one go?), but if you’re a Queenslander and you believe in the need for an R18+ video games rating, be sure to sign. This isn’t just a third party petition, it’s sanctioned by the Queensland government itself, which means if it gains enough support it will have to be acknowledged in state parliament.

If the reception is positive, this would allow alteration to the state’s classification guidelines, which would effectively mean that even though the rest of Australia is stuck with it’s present system, R18+ games would become legal in Queensland.

Unfortunately (and for obvious reasons), you can only sign the petition if you’re living in Queensland. But the rest of the Australian gaming base would do well to spread the word as far as possible, so hopefully we can finally see some results on the issue. And rest assured, if one state under Labor adopts an R18+ rating, it should offer a fantastic opportunity to bring up the issues with the rest of the states. Except South Australia, of course, where presumably Michael Atkinson will continue to sulk and refuse to debate the matter.

So if you’re a Queenslander, head on over to the petition and get signing. And if you’re just a supportive gamer, well then get talking to your Queensland friends!

Hell, even if only Queensland adopts an R18+ rating, we can all look forward to some Brisbane specific game shopping!