http://www.ausgamers.com/images/features/ag_160_120_gtvIV_censored.jpg The Age's Screen Play blog is reporting that contrary to previous assurances from Rockstar, The Australian release of Grand Theft Auto 4 will indeed be edited in order to slip under the Office of Film and Literature Classification's MA15+ classification bar.

A Rockstar spokesperson confirmed to Screen Play yesterday that the company had produced a special version of GTA IV to comply with the Australian classification system, which does not currently contain an R18+ rating, but declined to reveal what material had been cut.

The game has been rated R18+ by the British Board of Film Classification, New Zealand's OFLC and the German Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle. It has been rated M17+ by the Entertainment Software Rating board in North America.

This news comes while an R18+ rating for games in Australia is once again under consideration with a recent attorneys-general meeting bringing the matter to light.

It's likely the changes wont have a significant affect on gameplay, but that it needs any modification at highlights the need for a more all-encompassing rating system.

That blows, I wish they'd let us know what was cut out =\

I predict New Zealand games retailers once again making extra money

I suppose I wont be buying this game from Australia then. Hopefully the 360 version isn't region locked, because I'd prefer to get it on 360 rather than PS3.

last edited by Midda at 14:07:12 04/Apr/08

My guess is hookers/any sex related mini-games again. Gotta love how you can shotgun a dozen cops in a game 15 year olds can buy, but you can't watch a car rocking from side to side.

I'm also assuming the reason they're not saying what just yet is because they still haven't cleared press to divulge a lot of the new features in the game as it is.

Hopefully the 360 version isn't region locked, because I'd prefer to get it on 360 rather then PS3.

360 only differentiates PAL and NTSC(US)/NTSC(JP). A copy of GTA 4 bought from New Zealand, UK or Europe will function in an Australian Xbox 360.

Yeah, I know, but I didn't know that New Zealand got different versions than Australia, since most of the games you get have Australian and New Zealand contact numbers in the backs of the manuals.

I don't particularly want to get the game from another PAL region though, since we all get ripped off. If the US version isn't region locked, I'll probably get it from there, since it'll more than likely be a good $40 or so cheaper. I don't mind waiting for the shipping either, because I'm not really all that hyped for this game.

PAL GN believes otherwise

re-read the OP, guv!

Also PALGN have a new article on the issue

Despite confirming to PALGN a few months ago that Grand Theft Auto IV would not be edited in anyway for Australia, Rockstar has confirmed to top Australian journalist Jason Hill that the Australian copy will be edited. Grand Theft Auto IV was awarded an MA15+ rating on December the 11th, 2007. In a post on his blog, Jason Hill stated that a Rockstar spokesperson confirmed to Screenplay that the company had produced a special version of Grand Theft Auto IV to comply with the Australian classification system. The spokesperson would not comment on what has been cut from the game, so for now Australians are forced to play the waiting game. We're not sure when or if Rockstar will disclose what is different in the Australian version, but if they do we'll report back.

Damn it! I want to kill hookers.

they're turning the guns into walky talkies, and Greedo shoots first.

Looks like I'll be getting the game from overseas then.

Yea, I'll probably cancel my pre-order, and just order it from New Zealand now

f*** it was getting the ps3 US version from play asia anyway

I just want to know whats censored. If its something I don't give a s*** about, like killing the hookers, then I'll just get it locally anyway cos I already have a copy with the cool safety deposit box ordered :)

But if the stuff they've censored is going to have a significant impact on the game, then yeah, I'll be cancelling my order and getting it from overseas.

+1 illegal downloads

not suprising really, its a smart move by rockstar really, why delay the game further in countrys where rating classification (or censorship) is heavy handed and just produce a cut copy of the game. this stops the game hitting retail and being recalled or better yet going for classification getting refused, being reworked and delayed for months till they come up with a censored version.

doesnt excuse the fact australia doesnt have an r18+ rating though.

ive already ordered a collection edition from jb-hifi if the differences between aus and other regions is significant ill sell my game and buy another copy from playasia. but i doubt its going to be anything substantial

For all the hoo-har and sensationalism rockstar has made over the years about their games and "community backlash" against them you think they could've manned up, said no they aren't editing it, ban it, then forced Microsoft to block all australian gta4 players from playing it on live until an R rating was introduced.

Pathetic moneygrubbing pansies.

This was their chance to make real change.. not just radio soundbites. What is probably the number 1 title on consoles in 2008 and it wouldn't have been available in Australia because it was 'too adult'.

I can't support their right to make violent, sexist, crime encouraging games if they won't stand up for my right to buy them uncensored.

Has it been mentioned yet that the controversy is likely over a scene where a guy gets graphically violated with a louisville slugger? As long as rockstar keep "pushing the envelope" with juvenile shock imagery like this we're unlikely to get any local sympathy over the lack of an R18+ rating for games.

For all the hoo-har and sensationalism rockstar has made over the years about their games and "community backlash" against them you think they could've manned up, said no they aren't editing it, ban it, then forced Microsoft to block all australian gta4 players from playing it on live until an R rating was introduced.

Pathetic moneygrubbing pansies.

This was their chance to make real change.. not just radio soundbites. What is probably the number 1 title on consoles in 2008 and it wouldn't have been available in Australia because it was 'too adult'.

I can't support their right to make violent, sexist, crime encouraging games if they won't stand up for my right to buy them uncensored.

Yeah cool so we just don't get the game!
I am sure people in Australia would rather have the game censored slightly than not have it at all! The classification people don't give a s***!

Yeah cool so we just don't get the game!
I am sure people in Australia would rather have the game censored slightly than not have it at all! The classification people don't give a s***!

Well, another possible chain of events is:

1) Rockstar opt not to release their game in Australia

2) Australians are forced to order it from overseas (or pirate it)

3) Australian retailers (and gamers) put pressure on OFLC, etc, due to the vast amounts of money they're losing by not being able to sell what will probably be one of the most popular gamers of the year

4) Australian gamers complain incessantly about it to the point where the government/OFLC realises an R18+ is a must-have.

5) We get the R18+ rating, games like GTA4 can get stuffed in that, the onus is on the retailers to enforce it (with serious fines), and everyone is a winner.

That would be funny to have EB games like a bottle shop with 16 year olds out the front trying to get people to buy them GTA4 instead of some passion pop and smokes.

then forced Microsoft to block all australian gta4 players from playing it on live

I don't agree with this part.

Wow, my friends were in an uproar about this. Personally I'm not getting GTA IV on release anyway but they've all run off and canceled their pre-orders and re-ordered from NZ.

then forced Microsoft to block all australian gta4 players from playing it on live

I don't agree with this part.

If it's banned they should have to. Microsoft Australia shouldn't be permitted to provide services for products that are banned.

Thanks for spelling it out trog.

ok i made an impulse buy just then from play-asia only because it is pretty good value and i wont have to worry about the censorship issue.

So, just to double check...
If i buy the game from new zealand, or the uk it will work on my Aussie 360?
Because they're all PAL?
Also, is the NZ copy of the game uncut?
Cheers

If i buy the game from new zealand, or the uk it will work on my Aussie 360?

Yep - see post #5

Also, is the NZ copy of the game uncut?

Historically the GTAs have always been the "original cut" in NZ

thanks,
think i'll check out that nz gamespot the other guy posted a link to.
i hope EB will refund my preorder!

I think PS3 games are region free and you can buy them from wherever (at least I hope so because I just ordered the US version of GTA4) :s

PS3 games are region free

Correct.

ps3 is region free, the only limitiation being that some games have regioned multiplayer, meaning with an aus copy you only playing against other australians, if you play a U.S copy you play with americans.. either way you can play any version game in any console.

PS3 games are entirely region free.

Which is strange, because Blu Ray isn't.

So does anyone have any links to reputable NZ online stores?

http://www.gpstore.co.nz/ are pretty good.

Can anyone confirm that NZ is getting the uncut version? GPStore.co.nz wasn't sure and said they'd let me know when they found out.

Just worried, because i hear alot of the time they get games from Australia and just put their own classification stickers on them.

I know i can get the UK version off of eBay for cheap, but I really want the special edition. I've got it on pre-order and it worked out only costing an extra $10 than the Australian one. Well worth it... if it's the unedited version.

Just worried, because i hear alot of the time they get games from Australia and just put their own classification stickers on them.

That's what I thought too, because often you can look on the back of the case for a game, and it has both Australia and New Zealand information on the back.

That's what I thought too, because often you can look on the back of the case for a game, and it has both Australia and New Zealand information on the back.

That's because often they're the same game!

Can anyone confirm that NZ is getting the uncut version? GPStore.co.nz wasn't sure and said they'd let me know when they found out.

If they don't know, then I'd say noone'd know for sure yet; I'd prolly just hang on a bit longer.

http://i25.tinypic.com/2r6ns4y.jpg

Finally a link between violence & video games.

Is it illegal to import games?

Yes, the maximum fine is $100,000 and 2 years in jail. There was a guy on here who got jailed for a bit just for thinking about important a game.

Dude, you obviously haven't studied the law. I would take greazy's word tiptop because he works for the OFLC for serious.

It is technically illegal to import a version of the game that is banned here, but I'm not sure how enforced it is.

got mine coming from the UK, $73 delivered in 2-3Days !

Tiptop: It's also illegal to import games which have not been submitted for classification.

I didn't realise it was different! how could I know that? The australian box doesn't proudly proclaim CHILDFREINDLYAUSTRSLIANONLYCENSOREDVERSION, so how would I know? I was just exercising my right to purchase the game from another country where it was cheaper. that's how globalisation works, they don't just get to take our jobs we get to buy their cheap s*** too and put local businesses out of business.

That's how globalisation works, and that's why they implemented DVD and gaming regions - the only people allowed to take advantage of globalisation and lower prices in far away countries are the big corporations, not us regular people

The australian box doesn't proudly proclaim CHILDFREINDLYAUSTRSLIANONLYCENSOREDVERSION, so how would I know?

A nice argument sure, but even if theres no penalty brought against you, you still don't get your copy of GTA4 and you're out of pocket for the cost of it.

but it's worth it for the chance to watch an animation of some guy having a baseball bat rammed up his arse, right?

What ISN'T worth a chance to see that?

What ISN'T worth a chance to see that?

Reading your posts.

Well alrighty then.

For the person who asked about NZ gaming stores, I am from NZ-moved to Brissie 3 months ago. My recommendation for good gaming stores who are 1)slightly cheaper and 2)have the games in stock are:

www.gamesman.co.nz
www.ebgames.co.nz
www.realgroovy.co.nz

Gamesman are good as they normally do a good discount for purchasing it through there website. Some NZ stores sell out quick or havent ordered enough (or order them as the store gets orders which means longer waiting time for the game).
They havent censored the NZ version, we only heard about the censoring as we are now here in OZ, back home we had the uncensored GTA vice city and noticed the difference when we bought one here (as our old one was scratched). Maybe NZ will jump on the banwagon who knows, lets hope not. After all, its only a game.

Hi ***** We have been informed today that New Zealand will be receiving the same version of Grand Theft Auto IV as Australia. As you have placed your order after Rockstar announced that the Australian version was edited, we are assuming that you will no longer require the game to be shipped from us, as we can't supply you with an uncut version. The last thing we want to do is supply you with a product that does not meet your needs and we've therefore taken the liberty of removing your GTA4 order from our web site. We certainly hope we can be more helpful to you in the future! :)

Quote from email I just got from gpstore.co.nz


Seems like NZ is getting boned over by Australias rating system. :(


So on a related note, who knows a good UK site to order gta4 from?

Raisty, can you forward me that email (if you don't mind)? that's news-post-worthy, I reckon

gamehubs.com (UK) has it for $74-76 dollars delivered in 2-3days.

Just got that same email,
'We have been informed today that New Zealand will be receiving the same version of Grand Theft Auto IV as Australia.,'
from gpstore.co.nz

I'm gonna get a Uk copy off eBay ~$60
Might take a little while to get here but it'll be worth it

there's also a scan of the OXM UK review giving it a 10/10 here

They really need to man up and announce just exactly what the hell they felt needed to be cut out to get past our censors.

It's quite sad that they think it might negatively effect sales or something stupid if they say what was cut vs keep quiet about it. I think saying nothing would have a greater affect on sales. People holding off and waiting for reviews and game news website to compare it with US copys to find out what has been cut before buying it or just pirating it outright.

Could be in game adverts? Naughty music perhaps? Co-op multiplayer? Your Mum jokes?

last edited by Beanith at 13:34:53 15/Apr/08

thanks raisty

Quote from email I just got from gpstore.co.nz

That's absolutely awesome that they did that. (the retailer, not rockstar)

Np trog

Yea, im pretty impressed that the sent the email, and cancelled the order for us.
Not too happy with Rockstar tho, almost makes you wonder if any PAL region is getting the uncut version.

Holy s*** what mad c***s those NZers are. They are going to lose the dollars on all those aussie pre-orders but they have the decency to inform customers. Awesome.

in regards to why the game has been censored.....
i stole this from a post on another forum made by a user going by the name "iCE654"

Okay guys, I have some news for you regarding what was edited from the AU release. I just gave Take2 a call (a friggin expensive 1902 number!) and this is exactly what I was told:

"Well in regards to what Rockstar have removed for the Australian release, as far as we're aware there was only one sexually violent cut-scene which Rockstar felt would cause the game to be Refused Classification. Unfortunately we're not able to go into specifics until after the game has been released but I can tell you that the scene involves a weapon being inserted into an enemies private area during a mission where Niko is taking revenge after one of his close friends was forced into sexual intercourse during his stay in prison."

Seriously I thought he was joking ....I was like LOL you're joking right? He says "No. This is what Rockstar felt needed to be removed from the game for it's Australian release. We were recently given permission to release this information because as we understand, Rockstar originally made a press release stating that the game would be released uncut world wide. We felt it would be misleading not to release the information".

it was previously mentioned in either this thread or another but this confirms it, you can also call take2 yourself and confirm it on 1902 262 606

"Well in regards to what Rockstar have removed for the Australian release, as far as we're aware there was only one sexually violent cut-scene which Rockstar felt would cause the game to be Refused Classification. Unfortunately we're not able to go into specifics until after the game has been released but I can tell you that the scene involves a weapon being inserted into an enemies private area during a mission where Niko is taking revenge after one of his close friends was forced into sexual intercourse during his stay in prison."

Thats it? Thats the big dark secret that can not be told least we boycott the game and play the Hello Kitty MMO instead? Personally I dont care if I dont get to see the above, I just dont think thats all thats been removed.

Surely Rockstar could of owned up to all that is missing is 30 seconds of an in game sequence.

I'm going to stop now before I breakout the tinfoil hat :P

If thats all, I'll just get it here and watch the missing few seconds of video on youtube.