Will Whitaker, from EB Games at Tweed Centro in Tweed Heads, says customers are rallying behind the campaign to bring in an R18+ classification category for computer games.

Crystal Spencer

NORTH Coast EB Games stores have joined a national campaign to bring in an R18+ classification category for computer games.

EB Games outlets at Centro Tweed and Tweed City in Tweed Heads, and Sunnyside Mall in Murwillumbah, have petitions in store aimed at persuading the Australian Classifications Board to allow the advanced rating.

Australian classifications for video games currently do not go past MA15+.

Centro Tweed EB Games manager Will Whitaker said customers had rallied behind the cause.

“We’ve had a lot of people come in to throw their support behind the campaign,” Mr Whitaker said.

“It’s not really to get more violent games brought to Australia, but a better choice for gamers out there.

“Anyone and everyone are welcome in store to sign. Or they can do it online.”

Recently, zombie-slaying title Left 4 Dead 2 was initially denied classification in Australia because of the level of violence. Its creators were forced to release an edited version with all mutilations taken out.

The release of Alien v Predator was initially bannedbecause of violence involving graphic depictions of mutilation. The decision was overturned on appeal and will be rated MA15+ when released.

The petition is in response to a recent Federal Government’s discussion paper on the matter.

EB Games marketing director Steve Wilson said the petition was not a call for violent video games.

“It’s a call for a better classification system that brings Australia in line with the rest of the world and other Australian entertainment industries, such as films,” he said.

“With the release of theGovernment’s discussion paper, we knew as a company that we needed to act on this issue as it continues to cripple our industry and cost local jobs.”

A previous survey conducted by EB Games about the R18+ classification showed 84 per cent of people were for it.

The petition is available online at ebgames.com.au. The cut-off date is this Sunday.