It seems that the situation in Australia concerning video games ratings isn’t getting better any time soon as the debate will be dragged along again by the South Australian Attorney General, Michael Atkinson.

We previously reported that the Australian government was soliciting public opinions concerning an R18 rating for video games. The government released a paper with arguments for and against the new ratings system so people would be informed before casting their vote. This seemed to be a fair and objective method for consulting the Australian population about an issue that affects them but, now, the whole thing will be moot thanks to Michael Atkinson.

Atkinson said that the public consultation isn’t fair and the anticipated overwhelming vote in favor will be biased because only gamers will vote. Additionally, Atkinson said that because he has received death threats and abusive emails he won’t change his posture on the subject…

For many years, Australians have faced a difficult situation regarding content in video games. The Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), Australia‘s ratings board, doesn’t provide a rating for games with mature content. The highest rating for video games provided by the OFLC is “MA15+”, which restricts any content deemed not suitable to anyone under 15.

The current ratings system denies a rating to any game with content deemed not suitable for an “MA15+” rating. Any game in this situation is either submitted to modifications or outright banned. This policy has caused an uproar amongst the gamer community but things might be headed for a change this time around.