Earlier today, it was confirmed that Alien vs. Predator was refused classification. Sega issued a statement shortly after the Classification Board announced the decision, and now we've got our hands on the Classification Board report outlining the reasons for the RC decision.

In short, the game has been refused classification for high levels of violence, which the board deemed cannot be placed within a MA15+ rating, which is currently the highest rating available for video games in Australia.

The Board's official report states that the game is incredibly violent, with the description definitely not for the feint hearted:

The game contains first-person perspective, close-up depictions of human characters being subjected to various types of violence, including explicit decapitation and dismemberment, as well as locational damage such as stabbing through the chest, throat, mouth or eyes. Characters can be stabbed with a Predator's wrist blade or an Alien's tail in depictions reminiscent of impalement.

The Predator collects "trophies" by explicitly ripping off human heads, their spinal columns dangling from severed necks. Heads can be twisted completely around in order to break a character's neck. Eyes can be stabbed through or gouged, leaving empty, bloodied eye sockets. It is noted that a player is able to combine manoeuvres together in quick succession, which further increases impact; for example, a Predator can stab a character through both eyes with its wrist blade, and then rip off their head, with spinal column still attached. Extensive post mortem damage, including decapitation and dismemberment, is also possible.

Depictions of violence such as the above are accompanied by copious amounts of blood and gore, include ample wound detail and visible skeleton.

Alien vs. Predator is the sixth game to be refused Classification in Australia this year. With the game refused classification, it is effectively banned in Australia, with the sale and distribution of the game not possible, unless the decision is appealed, or the game is edited to make it suitable for the MA15+ rating.

We will keep you informed as we learn more about the status of Alien vs. Predator.