Left 4 Dead 2 has been denied classification in Australia, essentially banning the game. Australia’s highest video game rating is M 15+ and anything that would meet criteria beyond that cannot be sold or demonstrated.

It seems the gorey nature of the game is the reason behind this. According to documents from news.com.au “The game contains realistic, frenetic and unrelenting violence which is inflicted upon “the Infected” who are living humans infected with a rabies-like virus that causes them to act violently… it is the use of the “melee” weapons such as the crowbar, axe, chainsaw and Samurai sword which inflict the most damage. These close in attacks cause copious amounts of blood spray and splatter, decapitations and  limb dismemberment as well as locational damage where contact is made to the enemy which may reveal skeletal bits and gore. Projectile shots to infected humans can cause abdominal wounds which can reveal innards or even cause intestines to spill from the wounds.”

“The interactive nature of the game increases the overall impact of the frequent and intense depictions of violence,” concluded “This, coupled with the graphic depictions of blood and gore combine to create a playing impact which is high.”

It is then noted “A minority of the Board is of the opinion that the violence is strong and playing impact and therefore warrants an MA 15+ classification with the customer advice of strong violence” which the classification the board had granted the original Left 4 Dead.

If the game were to be altered it could yet see classification in Australia. This is not uncommon for games. Fallout 3 was originally denied classification due to its depiction of morphine use. Once it was changed from morphine to “Med-X” a new mythical drug, it was granted the MA 15+ rating.

Those outside of Australia ready for some intense depictions of violence, copious amounts of blood spray and splatter and decapitations and limb dismemberment can expect Left 4 Dead 2 on November 17th, 2009 for PC and Xbox 360.