List of banned computer and video games

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This is a list of banned computer and video games.

1 Australia
2 People's Republic of China
3 Germany
4 New Zealand
5 Saudi Arabia
6 South Korea
7 United States
8 See also
9 References

[edit] Australia

Video games in Australia cannot be rated R18+ because the rating only exists for film. This has led many games to be edited (to obtain an MA15+ rating) or refused classification.

50 Cent: Bulletproof was banned in 2005 due to the arcade mode 'counter kill' methods, which were determined to be of high impact^[1]. A censored version was later released.^{[citation needed]}
BMX XXX was banned for its nudity and questionable content^[2]. A censored version was later released.^{[citation needed]}
Dreamweb was banned in Australia. However the game was censored, and re-released with an MA rating in 1996 for "Medium level animated violence".
Grand Theft Auto III was banned in Australia. A censored version was later released.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Following the Hot Coffee controversy, involving unused sexual content contained in the disc, it was re-rated to RC (Refused Classification, means that games or movies cannot be sold), and therefore banned in Australia. A modified version minus sex scenes has since been reawarded an MA rating, returning the game to the shelves.
Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude
Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure was banned in Australia.
Manhunt Released with MA15+, banned 6 months later.
NARC (2005 update) was banned in Australia.
Postal has been banned in many countries.
Postal² was banned in Australia.
Phantasmagoria was banned in Australia.
Reservoir Dogs (unreleased) was banned in Australia.
Rule Of Rose (video game) was banned in Australia in 2006
Singles: Flirt Up Your Life has been banned in Australia for containing realistic propaganda flags and nudity.
Shellshock: Nam '67 has been banned in Australia. A censored version was later released with MA15+ Rating.
The Punisher (video game) has been banned in Australia. However, it has been re-rated MA15+ by the OFLC.

[edit] People's Republic of China

Command & Conquer: Generals was banned in China despite the fact it presents China as a beneficial protagonist. It is largely believed it was banned because the GLA (terrorist group) uses a nuclear device to destroy the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where they are subsequently gunned down by the PRC. Additionally, the Chinese use highly destructive weapons (in-game) on questionable targets.
Hearts of Iron and Hearts of Iron 2 were banned in China because they depict Tibet, Sinkiang, and Manchuria as independent countries.^[3]

[edit] Germany

4 games have been banned by different courts, because of extreme violence - based on § 131 StGB (= Germany's criminal code):

There are some other games banned because of using nazi symbols, which is not allowed in Germany (except in arts and education).

[edit] New Zealand

In New Zealand, games are classified by the Office of Film and Literature Classification. If they are deemed objectionable in all cases, then they are considered banned. In this case, the game in question is not only illegal to sell, but illegal to own, possess or import.