IllFonic’s upcoming asymmetric horror game Halloween: The Game has hit an unexpected roadblock in Australia, with the Australian Classification Board (ACB) refusing to grant the title a classification.
The decision means the game cannot currently be sold in either Australia or New Zealand in its planned physical or digital form.
IllFonic confirmed the outcome on social media, explaining that the issue was not directly connected to Michael Myers or the violence players can inflict throughout the game (per Game Industry Biz).
“Despite every effort on our part, the Australian Classification Board has denied Halloween: The Game a rating,” the studio confirmed in response to a player.
The developer later clarified that the refusal “was not based on the presence of the iconic slasher, Michael Myers, or the outstanding kills that can be performed in the game, but rather the presence of a controlled substance.”
IllFonic added: “Unfortunately, to our disappointment (and certainly yours) this means that we cannot sell the physical or digital product in both Australia and New Zealand.”
Potentially can be modified
While the developer has not publicly identified the substance responsible for the refusal, multiple reports have pointed towards cannabis. According to those reports, its use can provide a gameplay advantage to players controlling Michael Myers.
That detail has not been independently confirmed by IllFonic, and the refusal does not yet appear to be listed on the ACB’s public classification register.
The situation leaves the game’s Australian and New Zealand release plans uncertain. IllFonic could potentially modify the title to meet local classification requirements, although it has not announced whether a region-specific version is being considered. It is also unclear whether the Australian decision will have any impact on the game’s planned September launch in other markets.
Australia has previously refused classification to games over their depiction of illicit substances and other content. In 2024, Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact was refused classification over what the ACB described as “implied sexual violence”.
Meanwhile, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut eventually received approval for Australian console release in 2021 after initially being refused classification.
For now, Australian and New Zealand players looking forward to Halloween: The Game are left waiting to see whether IllFonic can find a way through the country’s classification system before launch.
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