Disco Elysium: The Final Cut will officially come out in Australia almost two months after being banned in the country. The government has classified the game R18+, which means “legally restricted to adults.”
Australian Classification Review Board revised its previous decision on May 11, confirming that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut contains the following elements:
- Pervasive themes related to addiction and alcoholism;
- Moderate violence justified by narrative context;
- Implied sexual activity without incentives or rewards;
- Frequent strong coarse language, which is often used aggressively;
- Depiction of drug use that is not realistic or linked to rewards.
The board decided that the game fits into an R18+ classification, with some of its elements being rated M (15+). The commission also stated that while Disco Elysium depicts drugs, the use “leads to negative consequences for the player’s progression in the game.” According to the document, the themes and drug references within the game are inextricably linked.”
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is an extended version of ZA/UM’s acclaimed RPG, which was released on March 30 on PC and PS4/PS5. Initially, Australia banned the game because it offends “against the standards of morality” and gave it an RC rating, which means “refused classification.”
Australia is known for banning video games from selling in the country. Some titles, like The Witcher 2, South Park: The Stick of Truth, and Wasteland 3, initially received an RC rating but were later re-approved.