Only a few days after the news of Grand Theft Auto IV being edited and slightly censored in Australia, I contacted the OFLC via email to ask if they knew how it had been edited, and what the reasonings were. Obviously this was before we learned that Rockstar had not submitted a uncut version first, rather they submitted an edited game for rating rather then attempting to have the full-uncut game rated first.

This was a smart move, as being rated "18" in the UK, there was no chance of the uncut version being released in Australia due to the OFLC not having an R rating for games (adults only rating). I today received an email back from the OFLC, the are rather busy so it did take awhile. They state that they did not rate the uncut version, and therefore can not speculate as to what has been edited, instead they told us to contact Rockstar directly, which obviously isn't necessarily now.

However an interesting point is that the OFLC alerted me to a future Public Discussion paper for the introduction of a R rating for games, making adult games, or anything that should not be played by persons under the age of 18, able to be released. Manhunt 2 for example. Australia has missed man terrific games and gaming series' due to not having an adults rating for games, and there could be a change in the wind. Best part; on the most part it seems Grand Theft Auto IV's editing has been the spark of this, which in itself shows just how powerful the game and the series is. Or maybe it's just that some of the Classification Ministers like the series?

I am aware of concerns that the content of this game has been modified for Australian release. The Classification Board will classify a computer game in the form in which the distributor submits it. The Classification Act does not provide the Board with the power to direct a distributor to modify a computer game. You may wish to contact the creator and/or distributor for further information about different versions of this game.

Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers with censorship responsibilities have agreed on an initiative to seek community views on the issue of an R 18+ classification for computer games. A discussion paper is being developed and will be released for public consultation. You may like to participate in the consultation when it is announced and make a submission.

The Attorney-General’s Department is aware of research into game-playing trends in Australia, including findings that the average age of Australian gamers is 28 years old. The Department is also aware of the wide range of views on the introduction of an R 18+ classification for computer games in the community.

The OFLC also make note that Grand Theft Auto IV was rated officially on the 12th of  December, 2007. I'd like to thank the OFLC for the information, and urge any Australian's out their too submit their support and/or opinions when the Consultation becomes Public within the coming months.