Get the Board of Review to assess the OFLC's decision to ban Gal*Gun: Double Peace

In January, the Office of Film and Literature Classification ruled the video game Gal*Gun: Double Peace "Objectionable" - in other words, it's banned in New Zealand.

I and many others I've spoken to don't think this is a fair ruling. There's no argument that Gal*Gun is a lewd game that will be offensive to many, but it's far from harmful enough to warrant a ban. That's an extreme step that should only be used in the most extreme circumstances, and I don't believe Gal*Gun fits the bill.

In my view, the Chief Censor's ruling misrepresents the game in order to justify an "Objectionable" rating under Section 3 of the Film, Videos, and Publications Classification Act. It doesn't account for the game's tone and satirical elements, and exaggerates the sexual content.

It's not a game that many will like, but it has a right to exist per freedom of expression protections in the Bill of Rights Act. I believe there's more value to be had in it being available, so that people can analyse, critique, and learn, than in banning it for the sake of the public good.

I've put in a request for the Film and Literature Board of Review to review the ruling.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This doesn't guarantee a change in the rating, as that is up to the Board of Review's judgement, and the fee needs to be paid regardless of the outcome.

A review would at least gives the game another chance.

I've gone into more detail about why I don't think a ban is appropriate in an article published on The Spinoff: http://thespinoff.co.nz/games/02-02-2017/the-banning-of-galgun-double-peace-did-the-chief-censor-get-it-wrong/

A few other perspectives:

http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2017/02/censorship-should-not-be-left-to-censors.html

http://thespinoff.co.nz/games/02-02-2017/the-banning-of-galgun-double-peace-a-deep-dive-into-the-law/

http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2016/08/on-galgun-double-peace-and-satire-its.html

http://www.shindig.nz/gaming/gal-gun-double-peace-review/

http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2016/05/play-asia-review-galgun-double-peace.html