Why is Kingdom Come: Deliverance banned in Australia?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance, an action role-playing game developed by Warhorse Studios, has been banned in Australia due to its explicit content, specifically a scene in the game’s "A Woman’s Lot" DLC where soldiers sexually assault a non-playable character (NPC). This article will explore the reasons behind the game’s ban in Australia, its historical accuracy, and the controversy surrounding its depiction of violence and sexual content.
Historical Accuracy
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is set in the 14th century, during the reign of King Wenceslas IV of Bohemia. The game’s developers aimed to create a historically accurate depiction of medieval life, incorporating real-life events and characters into the game’s storyline. The game’s environments, architecture, and characters are all meticulously researched to ensure accuracy.
Violence and Sexual Content
The game’s ban in Australia is largely due to its depiction of violence and sexual content. The game features graphic scenes of bloodshed, torture, and sexual assault, which were deemed too explicit for the Australian market. The country’s classification board, the Australian Classification Board (ACB), refused to classify the game due to its "high impact" content, which includes "violence, sexual violence, and sexualised violence".
The Controversial Scene
The scene that sparked controversy is a pivotal moment in the game’s storyline, where soldiers brutally assault a non-playable character (NPC) in a scene that is depicted in graphic detail. The scene is intended to reflect the harsh realities of war and the brutality of the time period, but its explicit nature has been widely criticized.
Classification Controversy
The game’s classification controversy has been ongoing since its release, with many gamers and developers criticizing the ACB’s decision to ban the game. The game’s developer, Warhorse Studios, has been vocal about its disappointment with the classification, stating that the game was "censored" by the ACB.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The ban has had a significant impact on the gaming community, with many gamers expressing disappointment and frustration at the decision. Some have even started petitions and campaigns to challenge the classification, citing the game’s artistic value and historical accuracy.
Comparison to Other Games
It’s worth noting that Kingdom Come: Deliverance is not the first game to be banned in Australia due to its explicit content. Other games, such as Grand Theft Auto V and Mortal Kombat, have also been banned or heavily censored due to their violence and sexual content.
Conclusion
Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s ban in Australia is a complex issue that raises questions about censorship, artistic freedom, and the impact of explicit content on the gaming community. While the game’s developers may have intended to create a historically accurate and realistic portrayal of medieval life, its explicit content has been deemed too much for the Australian market. As the gaming community continues to debate the issue, it’s clear that the ban has had a significant impact on the game’s development and availability.