The critically acclaimed censor from the Australian Classification Board, which hadn't taken action prior to The Final Cut's release because up until then, Disco Elysium was not sold in a physical format. The ACB gave the game from developer ZA/UM a Refused Classification rating, making it unfit for sale in retail stores. Now, two months after The Final Cut was refused a classification, the ban has been overturned in Australia.
Disco Elysium is a dialogue-heavy, isometric RPG that got a bunch of new content for The Final Cut. The game is now fully voiced, and s 4K resolution for its distinct watercolor art style. The Australian Classification Board took issue with many adult themes in the game, which includes strong violence, potentially heavy drug use, and sexual content. Even after the ruling, The Final Cut was sold digitally through online storefronts on PC despite the ban.
Just recently, as reported by Kotaku Australia, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut was given an R 18+ rating. An R 18+ rating works much the same as an M rating from the ESRB. Only adults aged 18 and over can purchase Disco Elysium: The Final Cut in Australia, but it means the game can be sold in a physical format.
Why Disco Elysium's Ban Was Overturned
After the refusal of classification by the ACB, the ruling was formally challenged by ZA/UM, which brought the issue under the purview of a separate body, the Classification Review Board. Initially, a great issue taken by the Classification Board was Disco Elysium's apparent promotion of drug use for its short-term benefits. The Review Board claims it was the game's longterm consequences for drug use, along with no explicit depiction of drug taking, that allowed the game to receive an R 18+ rating.
This most recent ruling is ultimately a better decision than the original. Disco Elysium makes it very clear to the player that prolonged drug use will be detrimental to the main character, who is battling alcoholism. The initial refusal of classification felt reactionary, especially for a game with such a complex narrative. Gamers in Australia hoping to get a physical copy of Disco Elysium on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox should now be able to, once stores are stocked. If the wealth of critical acclaim wasn't enough to sell Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, it may well get some help now from all the controversy.
Source: Kotaku Australia
