Shacknews Document

15 February 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

Marc Ecko’s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure refused classification upon review

The Classification Review Board has determined, in a majority 3 to 2 decision, that the computer game Marc Ecko’s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure should be refused classification.

The Review Board met on 6, 8, 13 and 14 February 2006 with the Convenor exercising a casting vote because the members were equally divided in opinion.

A computer game that is refused classification (RC) is immediately banned throughout Australia. It cannot be demonstrated, sold, hired or imported into the country. A computer game is refused classification if it exceeds the guidelines for the MA 15+ classification.

“Both the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games state that a computer game will be refused classification if it includes or contains detailed instruction or promotion of matters of crime,” Convenor, Maureen Shelley said. “It is the Classification Review Board’s determination that this game promotes the crime of graffiti.”

In the Review Board’s majority opinion, Marc Ecko’s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure warrants refused classification as it promotes crime. Some factors contributing to this promotion include:

• the realistic scenarios whereby the central character Trane acquires his knowledge of graffiti tips, techniques and styles – including meeting with five real graffiti artists who pass on details of tips and techniques
• the reward for and positive reinforcement of graffiti writing on public buildings and infrastructure, and
• interactive biographies of 56 real graffiti artists, with details of their personal tags, styles and careers. The game detail states that all these artists began their careers performing illegal graffiti on public buildings and infrastructure and that some continue with this practice today.

The Classification Review Board convened in response to applications by the Attorney-General and the Local Government Association of Queensland to review the MA 15+ classification decision made by the Classification Board on 18 November 2005.

The Classification Review Board received written and heard oral submissions from representatives of the Local Government Association of Queensland and the original applicant for classification, Atari.

In reviewing the classification, the Classification Review Board worked within the framework of the National Classification Scheme, applying the provisions of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Films) Act 1995, the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games.

The Classification Review Board is an independent merits review body. It meets in camera to make a fresh decision when an application to review a matter previously determined by the Classification Board is made. Its reasons for this decision will appear on the OFLC website when finalised.