Should Australia have an 18+ rating for games?

Question

Australia currently only has up to the MA15+ rating, meaning games like GTA which are usually 18+, get watered-down and reduced to a MA15+ rating. So should we have an 18+ rating for games? Hypothetically what are some possitive and negative results of it? Thanks.

Answer 1

In a free country, like Australia, they should not be treating citizens like children.

The logic appears to be that games are for kids, and therefore there is no proper category for games aimed at adults.

So clearly, the law in Australia, has not yet caught up with the real world.  If movies can be made designed for adults, there is no reason why video games should not.

You should write your politicians and tell them to wake up and smell 2008.

As for the pros and cons.  The positive side is that government censorship will not affect what citizens of a free country can see.  On the negative side, children under 17 will no longer be able to play games like GTA:IV because it would be uncensored and available for adults only.

But what's worse?  Treating the entire population like children, or inconveniencing a few teenagers?