When will we grow up?

Mark Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure

A computer game that has been banned in Australia fell foul of the censors because it functioned like an interactive instruction manual for people to commit the crime of graffiti, according to documents released today.

The game, Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure, was denied classification by the Federal Government's Classification Review Board last month.

Publication of the board's 17-page decision today gives a detailed explanation behind the controversial decision that saw Australia become the first country in the world to ban the game.

"The Review Board determined, in the majority, that the theme of graffiti as depicted and detailed in the game was beyond that of fantastical game play and provided elements of promotion of the crime of graffiti," the decision reads.

In a 3-2 decision, the board notes that the game uses methods of teaching that include guided learning, expert advice and a system of rewards that can develop an expertise which can then be used outside this virtual world.

Furthermore, because there is not enough fantasy in simulated urban environment where the Getting Up is played, there is a likelihood that this "game-world knowledge" can be transferred to the real world.

"… whilst the game contained some fantastical elements, much of the game was based in current experience," the report said, noting that building, cars an trains etc all looked like those found in any modern city.

The announcement in February that the game's MA+15 classification had been overturned, marked the first time that the board had revoked classification for a computer game.

A game that has been denied classification cannot be sold, demonstrated, hired or imported into Australia.

I am so over this- why are the links between GTA and car-jacking acceptable when the links between Mark Ecko's and spraying paint onto public walls are not? When will this horrible, disfunctional and inconsistent body we know as the OFLC (Office of Film and Literature Classification) be disbaned and replaced with a body that understands that game's are more for adults than children now?

/sigh

/end rant