Silent Hill f: Australias Classification Controversy Unveiled

Users and media outlets have noted that the Australian Classification Board initially denied the registration of *Silent Hill f*. However, the relevant entry subsequently disappeared from the regulator’s website, indicating that the game is not officially banned in the country, at least for now.

Initially, the game was marked with an RC label (Refused Classification) in Australia. This designation means that the censors deemed the project unsuitable for any age group, preventing it from being marketed or released in Australia until the developers make necessary adjustments. The specific reasons for this verdict were not disclosed, and those seeking further information were directed to contact the classification board directly.

Later, the page showing the RC rating for *Silent Hill f* was removed. In response to an inquiry from Automaton, representatives of the board stated that they retracted their decision and that a rating would be issued closer to the release date. As a result, the game is still undergoing evaluation by Australian authorities, and it’s possible that Konami’s involvement played a role in this development.

The publication Stevivor suggested that the incident might stem from a malfunction in the automated tool used by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) utilized by the board. Developers must complete a questionnaire about the game, and based on the provided answers, the system assigns a rating automatically. According to IGN, this time the tool generated the verdict without manual review.

Regardless, Australian authorities are known for their stringent approach to reviewing games and other media. For instance, *Silent Hill: Homecoming* was also banned in the country initially due to depictions of torture and excessive blood effects; however, it was eventually released in 2009, but only in a censored version.

Previously, *Silent Hill f* received certification from ESRB, which noted scenes of graphic violence, child abuse, torture, and more. This horror title was rated M for Mature, intended for those aged 17 and older. A similar rating was assigned by PEGI—18+. Additionally, *f* became the first game in the main series of SH to receive a CERO: Z rating in Japan, while others were limited to the CERO: D classification for players aged 17 and up.

*Silent Hill f* is set to be released on PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series with a Russian text translation. Release dates have not yet been announced.