Silent Hill f Fails Australian Rating

Konami's upcoming horror title Silent Hill f has been denied classification in Australia, temporarily prohibiting its sale in the country. However, this RC rating was issued by an automated system rather than the Australian Classification Board itself, suggesting this decision may not be final.

While Konami doesn't handle local distribution in Australia, IGN has reached out to its regional partner for clarification.

The exact grounds for Silent Hill f's classification refusal haven't been disclosed. Since Australia introduced its R18+ rating for games in 2013, rejections typically involve depictions of underage sexual activity, sexual violence, or drug use incentives. Notably, Silent Hill: Homecoming faced similar challenges in 2008 due to graphic torture scenes - an issue later resolved through edited footage that secured an MA15+ rating.

Current findings reveal Silent Hill f's rating came from the International Age Rating Coalition's automated system, designed primarily for digital and mobile games. This online tool analyzes publisher-submitted content questionnaires to generate localized ratings, which Australia's database automatically publishes.

Australia adopted this digital-only system in 2014 to manage the overwhelming volume of mobile releases. Historical data shows IARC ratings often prove stricter than human evaluations, as evidenced by false ban reports for Kingdom Come: Deliverance and We Happy Few in 2019.

The free IARC system particularly aids indie developers, though physical releases still require Board review. The Classification Board retains final authority and can overturn any IARC decision.

Australian publishers can employ trained classifiers who make binding decisions, or assessors who provide recommendations requiring Board approval.

While Silent Hill f's Australian fate remains uncertain, the title marks a series first by securing Japan's stringent 18+ rating.