Australia’s video game censorship debate will have to continue without one of its key players. Michael Atkinson confirmed to Adelaide Now that he has resigned as South Australia’s Attorney General. As seemingly required by law, Atkinson attributed his decision to a desire to spend more time with his family.
Atkinson is well known in gaming circles for his steadfast opposition to a potential R18+ rating for video games. A political party known as Gamers4Croydon ran a candidate against Atkinson at the recent state election, garnering 3% of the vote.
The introduction of an R18+ a rating would require the unanimous support of all Australian Attorney Generals. Now that Atkinson no longer holds power of veto, pro 18+ organisations such as iGEA and Everyone Plays are certain to redouble their lobbying efforts.
At present, any game which cannot be accommodated under the maximum MA15+ rating is effectively banned from sale in this country. As a result, Australian gamers have been forced to endure heavily edited versions of titles such as Grand Theft Auto III and Left 4 Dead 2. Other games, such as Risen and NARC, failed to make it to our shores in any form.
Though he has resigned from the ministry, Atkinson will continue as the member for Croydon until 2014.
