Halloween game gets digital release in New Zealand after Australia ban

The Australian Classification Board recently refused a rating for Halloween: The Game, an asymmetric horror game developed by IllFonic, due to its depiction of a controlled substance, widely reported as a cannabis mechanic tied to the game's civilian side. Initially, IllFonic stated that this refusal meant the game could not be sold physically or digitally in both Australia and New Zealand. However, the studio has now clarified that this was a misunderstanding regarding which ratings body applies to which territory. When partnering with physical distributors for packaged goods in Australia and New Zealand, IllFonic learned that the Australian Classification Board (ACB) rating, used for physical releases, took precedence over the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) rating, which is used for digital releases. Consequently, the Australian refusal only blocks the physical release across both territories, not the digital release in New Zealand, which falls under a different system entirely. New Zealand's Office of Film and Literature Classification confirmed that the game was never submitted for classification in New Zealand and that no local ruling bars its release there. Digital-only releases can legally be sold in New Zealand without classification, though some platforms choose to seek one anyway. As a result, New Zealand players will be able to purchase Halloween: The Game digitally when it launches on September 8th, alongside PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The physical edition will follow on October 6th in other regions, but not in New Zealand. Australia remains fully blocked, both physically and digitally, unless IllFonic resubmits or amends the game. IllFonic describes its take on Halloween as masterfully recreating the ambience of the original 1978 movie, featuring multiple maps set across authentic Haddonfield locations and a soundtrack inspired by John Carpenter's classic score. The game also includes an offline single-player story mode with bots, in addition to its familiar asymmetrical multiplayer mode.