Sigh. We usually like being right about things, but not this time. We predicted that when EA lodged an censored version of L4D2 for submission to the classification board, there'd be no way in hell the appeal on the original version would be successful. Waddya know.

Here's the release in full, which can also be found at the Classification website.

MEDIA RELEASE
Left 4 Dead 2 classified RC upon review
A three-member panel of the Classification Review Board (the Review Board) has unanimously determined that the computer game Left 4 Dead 2 is classified RC (Refused Classification).

In the Review Board’s opinion, Left 4 Dead 2 could not be accommodated within the MA 15+ classification. The computer game contains a level of violence which is high in impact, prolonged, repeated frequently and realistic within the context of the game.

In addition, it was the Review Board’s opinion that there was insufficient delineation between the depiction of general zombie figures and the human figures, as opposed to the clearly fictional
‘infected’ characters. This was a major consideration of the Review Board in determining the impact of this game on minors.

Computer games classified RC cannot be sold, hired, advertised or demonstrated in Australia.

The Classification Review Board convened today in response to an application from the distributor of the computer game, Electronic Arts, to review the decision made by the Classification Board on 15 September 2009 to classify Left 4 Dead 2 RC.

In reviewing the classification, the Classification Review Board worked within the framework of the National Classification Scheme, applying the provisions of the Classification (Publications,
Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for theClassification of Films and Computer Games. This is the same framework used by the Classification Board.

The Classification Review Board is an independent merits review body. Meeting in camera, it makes a fresh classification decision upon receipt of an application for review. This Classification Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board.

The Classification Review Board’s reasons for this decision will appear on the Classification website when finalised.

Statement authorised by Victoria Rubensohn, Convenor, Classification Review Board

According to this statement, it appears the main issue is that teenagers 15 years and under can't tell the difference between a zombie and a normal person. As they say it:

"...there was insufficient delineation between the depiction of general zombie figures and the human figures, as opposed to the clearly fictional ‘infected’ characters. This was a major consideration..."

Apparently today's youth aren't smart enough to realise that if a person screams instead of speaks, has grey rotting skin, and is trying to eat your brains, they're actually a zombie.

Due to the Board's decision, a heavily censored version will be sold in Australia, which "...no longer contains depictions of decaptitation, dismemberment, wound detail or piles of dead bodies lying around the environment". In other words, it's missing one of the key new features of the sequel (melee action with dismemberment). It's great to see the board being so logical and consistent in its decisions. It's not like they've let other zombie flicks with copious gore through with an MA15+ rating. Oh, hang on a sec...