If our Australian readers were looking forward to spending their weekend sneaking about underneath a cardboard box, they'll be sorely disappointed, as the release of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes has reportedly been delayed for a week in their home nation. The title was originally planned to launch on 20th March, but now won't be hitting store shelves until 27th March. On the plus side, it means that Aussie gamers will have more free time to dig into the incoming open world superhero sim inFAMOUS: Second Son.
The reason for the rescheduling is not currently known, but we're blindly assuming that it has something to do with the country's notoriously draconian import and classification laws. What's more, it's unclear whether this hold up will also affect the launch of the game's digital version, as some have noted that last month's delay of the disc based release of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 didn't influence its downloadable counterpart. So if the thought of having to wait another week is giving you heart palpitations, you'd best hold out hope for the digital edition.
Is this dastardly delay making you decidedly displeased, or will you be too busy gliding through the neon streets of Seattle to care? Do us a solid in the comments section below.
[source kotaku.com.au]
Comments 13
As an Aussie I find the "draconian import and classification laws" stuff pretty offensive and very uninformed. The ratings system has been fixed for over a year now, and the importation of games has never been an issue.
It's more likely someone at Konami screwed up. Plus other reports indicate the XB1 version is the hold up, and Konami decided to postpone ALL other sku's. We will more than likely get the digital version on time.
Plus more sales for the infinitely better inFamous second son... blessing in disguise
@knight_spg Just for the record, Kell is an Aussie too!
@knight_spg Sorry for any offence caused, I probably didn't make that joke as clear as I could've done. I was trying to make reference to the recent South Park: Stick of Truth incident, but couldn't think of a way to do it tactfully.
On topic, I expect that the digital version will be on time as well. What's more, the delay is a pretty big blessing for my wallet too
Doesn't make any of his statement right, or in anyway good journalism. He should know/research his countries classification laws.
Off topic but I saw South Park The Stick of Truth 'uncensored' selling at UK online retail outlets this week... Miffed.
@SimonAdebisi It'll be an import version I assume.
@get2sammyb aye, just double checked. Only a few quid more too.
Had already decided not to pick this up, based on price. A 2 hour game is not worth $50. Maybe later when it is cheaper, so don't care.
Infamous SS awaits...
@knight_spg As a fellow Aussie I think that we do still have "draconian import and classification laws", so I found the line poignantly funny.
The ratings system is much improved, now there is an R18, but their classification guidelines are still stupid. Games are still held to ridiculous constraints that films and books are not, under the misguided belief that their interactivity somehow makes them more dangerous.
I stand by the idea that games are a legitimate form of adult entertainment, and don't understand why I need protecting form themes that film and books employ readily.
oops... back off my high-horse. Sorry.
@Ginkgo
You do know it's not a 2 hour game right? it's only the main mission thats 2 hours long, then there is the side ops plus the extra ops.
With infamous out this week as well as Ground Zeroes, i'll probably play infamous first then Ground Zeroes. Yep Australia is sure funny like but thay are probably still in the mind set games are for kids or something, there is no other reason for it.
I was woken up this morning by my phone telling me they've shipped my copy! Wuh-hoo!
@Ginkgo Interactivity adds to the experience in ways that books never could. Remember the Milgram Obedience experiments; some subjects really got off on the power they had to hurt another, others begged to be allowed to stop but continued with very minimal direction. A pure observer's brain only has to wait and see what someone else will do, where doing it yourself creates ethical/moral choices we have to make and live with. Science!!! Legally, tho, you're right, it's all free speech
I should clarify my comments.
I believe censorship is a good and necessary part of a healthy society. I would love to say it is not necessary, but it is.
But I also believe that censorship should only be used sparingly, in extreme cases, where the content is truly abhorrent and just socially unacceptable. You can all think of examples.
Censorship, when overplayed denies free speech, which is a cornerstone of all modern, free democratic societies. "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" – Hall on Voltaire
What gets my goat in Australia is that games are held to a much more stringent standard than any other medium. They have finally introduced an R18 category after “years” of debate and pressure, which is a huge step forward, but the classification guidelines still demonstrate that they don’t really accept games as a legitimate adult entertainment medium. They still feel the need to censor and sugar-coat content, even when the R18 classification is given.
Games, just like books and movies should be able to reflect the reality of the society we live in, the good the bad and the ugly. It is part of how society reflects and understands itself. Games can have a role to play in that process if they are allowed to.
in Moe voice
Well, I guess it's suicide for me again...
Heh, nah, I couldn't care less. What's a week? Nothin', that's what. I'll be in Perth for a writer's conference, anyway.
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