The Australian Classification Board issued an RC rating to Silent Hill f from Konami, making it impossible for the game to be released in Australia. The board utilized an automatic classification system to grant the RC label to the game. Silent Hill f’s classification progress shows a major change because it now holds mature ratings, including an M rating from the ESRB and an 18+ rating in Japan.
The refusal to classify Silent Hill f in Australia is no surprise, given the intense horror and graphic elements showcased in the game. The game depicts horrific violent situations such as characters being burned alive, having parts of their faces cut off and encountering visible entrails. The explicit horror content in these scenes could have motivated the Australian board to issue an RC rating. The Classification Board has yet to provide official reasons for the RC rating, even though the specific causes for the classification remain unknown.
RC rating was achieved through the assessment process managed by the International Age Rating Coalition using its IARC tool for rating mobile and digitally distributed games. The tool functions as an automated question-and-answer system developers use to generate ratings for various territories. Australian rating outcomes from this assessment process commonly produce results above human classification standards.
It is important to note that the IARC tool is used exclusively for digital games and cannot be applied to physical releases. Silent Hill f would still need to undergo a human classification for any physical distribution in Australia. The IARC’s automated system has previously confused, as seen with games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance and We Happy Few, which were reported as banned despite not receiving an official refusal.
The current state of Silent Hill f does not indicate complete termination in Australia. The game developers hold two choices either to seek approval through appeal or provide a modified version to Australian Classification Board standards. Silent Hill: Homecoming was denied classification by the board before receiving board-approved changes for final release.
Konami, which does not distribute its games directly in Australia, may address the issue with its local distribution partner. While it is too early to predict whether Silent Hill f will eventually receive a rating the game’s international release could be delayed or modified to comply with Australian standards.
