Summary
Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact, theupcoming fighting game developed by Bushiroad and published by Arc System Works, has been refused classification in Australia.
Asfirst spotted by AutomatonandGamesradar,the game was given an RC designation, which is short for “Refused Classification,” by the Australian Classification Board. The ACB,which operates under the Australian Government, is similar to theUnited States' ESRBor Europe’s PEGI ratings boards.Europe’s PEGI ratings boards
Per the Classification Board’s website, no information is provided as to why the game has been denied. As a result, until further notice, the game is effectively “banned,” and it’s unclear whether its developers will work to rework things or simply move on.
The Reason For Refusal Is Not Known
Originally revealed in early January, beforebeing delayed into 2025 in order to implement rollback netcode, Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact represents the first true game based on the anime and mangasince a 2012 PSP title. It is set to bethe first home console game based on the IP since at least 2001.
While those dates are rather old, the characters of Hunter x Hunter have appeared in other games,including as part of the main cast in Jump Force, aspart of mobile collaborationsor even inMonster Hunter. In other words, it’s not like these characters haven’t been in games before, so it’s hard to ascertain exactly why the game was refused a classification.
Yes, its two protagonists (Gon and Killua) are canonically 12 years old at the start of the series, and there are loads of other adults that they do battle with. However, it’s not too dissimilar from another Shōnen Jump title in Naruto, which has had several games dedicated to child Naruto,along with recent efforts focusing on his 12-year-old son, Boruto. As a result, only time will tell if the game is allowed to be sold in Australia.
