Silent Hill f Not Refused Classification
Silent Hill f, the upcoming survival horror game by Konami, has not been refused classification in Australia, despite initial reports suggesting otherwise. The Australian Classification Board has clarified that the game is not currently marked as “Refused Classification.” In an official statement to Stevivor, the Board confirmed, “Silent Hill f is not currently classified as ‘Refused Classification’ in Australia.” Additionally, a previously published entry on the National Classification Database, dated 14 March 2025, has been removed. The Board further stated that an official classification decision would be made available before the game’s release.
Although the Classification Board did not provide specific details, it appears that the confusion stemmed from an error with the self-reporting tool used for classifications. This miscommunication led to speculation about the game’s potential ban, which has now been dispelled.
Initial Reports and Confusion
Earlier reports indicated that Silent Hill f had been refused classification in Australia, creating uncertainty among fans. The Australian Classification Board’s website had briefly displayed an update on 14 March stating that the game was refused classification through the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) Global Rating Tool. This tool, which allows publishers to self-rate their titles, has had inconsistencies in the past, leading to speculation that a similar issue may have occurred in this case.
The classification page that initially contained this information was later removed, leaving visitors with an error message stating, “You are not authorized to access this page.” The sudden removal of the page raised concerns about whether the game was indeed banned or if there was an internal error. Given the nature of the game’s content, which includes depictions of gender discrimination, child abuse, bullying, drug-induced hallucinations, torture, and graphic violence, some believed that its themes may have led to the classification refusal. However, the latest statement from the Classification Board suggests that no final decision has been made yet.
Silent Hill f: A New Chapter in Horror Gaming
Silent Hill f was first announced by Konami in October 2022 and is set in 1960s Japan. The game introduces a completely new storyline, featuring a visually stunning yet terrifying world. Fans of the Silent Hill franchise have been eagerly anticipating this latest installment, which promises to deliver a mix of psychological horror and traditional survival elements.
With the confusion surrounding its classification now addressed, Australian gamers await an official classification decision ahead of the game’s release. While the game’s intense and potentially controversial themes may impact its final rating, it has not been outright refused classification. For now, Silent Hill f remains on track for its global release, with more details expected from the Classification Board in the coming weeks.
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