The upcoming fighting game adaptation of the popular manga and anime series ‘Hunter x Hunter’ is making waves, but not all for the right reasons. Despite its highly anticipated release on the Nintendo Switch and other platforms in 2025, the game has hit a roadblock in Australia.
Australia’s classification board has refused to give ‘Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact’ an age rating, citing concerns about depictions of sexual violence against underage characters by an adult male character. This decision has raised questions about the game’s content and its potential impact on players.
The Controversy Unfolds
The character at the center of this controversy is speculated to be Hisoka, a complex and morally ambiguous character known for his inappropriate interactions with young protagonists in the series. The lack of contextual justification for such depictions in the game has led to its classification refusal in Australia.
A History of Classification Woes
This isn’t the first time a fighting game has faced classification issues in Australia. In 2011, ‘Mortal Kombat 9’ was famously banned before eventually being classified under the new R18+ rating. The refusal of classification for ‘Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact’ echoes past struggles with graphic content in video games.
Moving Forward
While the game’s fate in Australia remains uncertain, developers Bushiroad and Arc System Works may need to make adjustments to comply with regulations. The potential impact of these changes on the game’s narrative and gameplay raises questions about artistic freedom versus responsible content creation.
As fans eagerly await the release of ‘Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact’ in 2025, the broader discussion about the portrayal of sensitive themes in video games continues. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Liam, a dedicated gaming journalist with a passion for storytelling, keeps a watchful eye on industry developments. With over 15 years of experience in the field, his love for iconic characters like Mario and Master Chief shines through in his work. Follow him on Twitter for more gaming insights and updates.
