Halloween: The Game Secures Digital Release in New Zealand

IllFonic's asymmetric horror game will be available digitally in New Zealand, despite initial concerns over a classification refusal in Australia.

IllFonic, will receive a digital release in New Zealand. This decision comes after initial concerns that the game's classification refusal in Australia would also affect its availability in New Zealand. According to IllFonic, the Australian Classification Board's refusal to rate the game due to its depiction of a controlled substance was the reason for the initial confusion.

However, the studio has since clarified that the refusal only applies to physical releases in both Australia and New Zealand. The digital release in New Zealand falls under a different classification system, which means the game can be sold digitally without a local rating.

Clarification on Classification Systems The Australian Classification

Board uses a rating system for physical releases, while digital releases are classified by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). New Zealand's Office of Film and Literature Classification confirmed that the game was never submitted for classification in New Zealand and that no local ruling bars its release there. This means that digital-only releases can be sold in New Zealand without classification, although some platforms may choose to seek a rating anyway.

Availability and Release Dates Halloween: The

Game will be available digitally in New Zealand on September 8th, alongside PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The physical edition of the game will be released on October 6th in other territories. Australia remains blocked from both physical and digital releases, unless IllFonic resubmits or amends the game.

IllFonic's take on Halloween promises to deliver a masterful recreation of the original 1978 movie's ambiance. The game features multiple maps set across authentic Haddonfield locations, a soundtrack inspired by John Carpenter's classic score, and an offline single-player story mode featuring bots. The game's familiar asymmetrical multiplayer mode will also be included.

Source: Eurogamer