The OFFICIAL reason as to why GTA3 was banned in Australia

Below is the official press release from the Office of Film and Literature Classification regarding the removal of Grand Theft Auto III from store shelves.

From what we\'ve heard, one of the main reasons the game has sparked problems with the OFLC is due to a scene where the character hires a prostitute, pays for sex, and then kills her.. this is still to be confirmed however.

We are still waiting for the official press release from the distributor of the game, Take 2 Interactive which we\'ll hopefully have tomorrow.
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The Classification Review Board unanimously determined that the computer game Grand Theft Auto 3 is “Refused Classification”, confirming the decision of the Classification Board.

In reviewing the classification of Grand Theft Auto 3, the Review Board worked within the framework, and applied the provisions of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, The National Classification Code, and the current Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games.

The Review Board considered the computer game Grand Theft Auto 3 was unsuitable for a minor to see or play.

A presentation was made to the Board by the Managing Director of Take 2 Interactive, a barrister for the applicant and a forensic psychologist. The Classification Review Board had an extensive demonstration of the game play.

A three member panel of the Board convened in response to an application from the distributor, Take 2 Interactive.

The Classification Review Board is an independent body, drawn from people with a wide range of backgrounds, appointed by the Governor-General. The Review Board meets in camera to hear formal applications for review of decisions of the Classification Board.





Following a review of the “Refused Classification” decision for the computer game Grand Theft Auto 3 the game remains illegal to sell.

The “Refused Classification” status of Grand Theft Auto 3 leaves retailers liable for prosecution under relevant State and Territory legislation. It is an offence to sell or demonstrate the game in Australia.

The Director of the OFLC, Des Clark said, “I have been assured by the distributor all stock will be recalled and retailers had previously been asked to remove stock from their shelves. Community Liaison Officers have also been visiting retailers to let them know of the substantial penalties involved in selling refused classification stock.”

The classification for this game highlights the importance of seeking a classification for computer games prior to their distribution. It is an offence for games to be sold without a classification and it is an offence to sell games with incorrect markings suggesting a classification has been made by the Classification Board.

People can check the classification of games and films and videos by visiting the database section of the OFLC website http://www.oflc.gov.au. It is important that people and particularly parents are aware of the content of the games their children play. If you have already purchased a game you will need to contact your retailer about return procedures.

There was no reason given other than "We don\'t think it\'s appropriate for minors."

So why are they so retarded and unable to create an Adult game rating/classification

Who do they think they are bullshipping

Originally posted by EmperorRob
There was no reason given other than "We don\'t think it\'s appropriate for minors."

Australian sources believe to be the mission where you hire the prostitute, and then you have sex with her, then kill her.

It was some\'explicite\' scene that I think they want removed.

Yeah but they should know by now, that we are mature enuff to play it and not do anything stupid in real life...
I blame irresponsible parents who buy their kids theses games and cause of them, we could now have to buy games with no violence, no gore or no humour...
I agree with ddaryl...
It says 18 on it so why can\'t kids and retarded parents see it!
I mean for f***s sake it\'s called "Grand Theft Auto!" surely some 30 year old guy with a kid could put 2+2 together and realise what it means?
The classification board are just made up of fat, 50 year old politicians who wouldn\'t know a good game if it was smacked into their face!

so im guessing its not going to be banned in uk coz we have 18+ rating

wats the point, people will just buy the ganme over the internet. Here in holland they will never ban any game, no matter what happens.

Banning game is stupid, I\'ve seen tons and tons of movies which are way worse than say caramagedon or soldier of fortune but kids here are still allowed to rent or buy them

Seems daft to me.

The BBFC are really good with this sort of thing so we don\'t have to put up with that sort of rubbish in England.