RimWorld to get a second chance for Australian classification

Back in early March, we reported that the colony simulation game, RimWorld, was refused classification in Australia. This decision by the Australian Classification board meant that the game would no longer be able to be sold in Australia and was even removed from Steam. Now, an update from Ludeon Studios head Tynan Sylvester, suggests that there’s still hope for the future of RimWorld in Australia.

Tynan recently Tweeted out that “The Australian Classification Board [is] going to review their ruling which banned RimWorld from sale in Australia. We’ve got some legal professionals and expert witnesses helping out, so I’m optimistic.”

Good news! The Australian Classification Board it going to review their ruling which banned RimWorld from sale in Australia.

We've got some legal professionals and expert witnesses helping out, so I'm optimistic. Thanks everyone for your support on this.https://t.co/GxvWIUtgCo

— Tynan Sylvester (@TynanSylvester) April 8, 2022

It’s good news for interested Australian gamers, who may want to check out RimWorld and all of its crazy possibilities. As a simulation, the game affords players a lot of options without stopping them from doing some particularly gruesome or unethical things. It’s no surprise then that the Australian Classification Board took Umbridge with this particular release, considering just how strict they have been in the past with recent releases like Lake or Disco Elysium: The Final Cut. It’s not rare however for the Australian Classification Board to reverse their decision, with small amendments to a game or looking at the product through a new critical lens often being all that’s needed to pass classification.

It’ll be interesting to see what happens with RimWorld, as we continue to fight back against strict government regulations around video game content that has historically held back the medium here in Australia.