Halloween: The Game Banned in Australia and New Zealand Due to Depiction of Controlled Substance

The Australian Classifications Board has blocked the release of Halloween: The Game, an asymmetric horror title developed by IllFonic, in both Australia and New Zealand. The decision was disclosed by the developer via social media, citing the inclusion of a controlled substance as the reason for the ban, rather than the game's violent content or the character Michael Myers. In a statement to a player, the studio expressed its disappointment, confirming that it had exhausted all avenues to secure a rating. As a result, the game will not be available for purchase in either digital or physical form in the two countries. Although unconfirmed by IllFonic, reports indicate that the substance in question is cannabis, which allegedly provides a gameplay advantage when used by the character Michael Myers. The Australian Classification Board is known for its strict stance on depictions of illicit substances and certain types of violence in video games, having previously banned titles such as Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact and initially blocking the release of Disco Elysium: A Final Cut.