- The Australian Classification Board has banned Halloween: The Game in Australia.
- According to publisher IllFonic, the decision stems from the presence of a "controlled substance".
- Since the game was refused classification, it will not receive a physical or digital release in Australia.
Michael Myers has finally met his match, and it’s the Australian Classification Board, which rates entertainment products in said country. Publisher IllFonic says the ACB has banned Halloween: The Game over its depiction of a “controlled substance.” The decision, issued on August 10, 2026, means the game has been denied a rating in Australia.
This also means that IllFonic cannot release Halloween: The Game either physically or digitally on PS5, Xbox, and PC in its current state in Australia. The publisher has implied in the same X post that it has no plans to alter the game to satisfy the Australian Classification Board, but this stance could change at any time.
Still, IllFonic put in the effort to secure a release, but its attempts ultimately ended with Halloween banned in Australia. According to the Halloween TVG X page, “The denial was not based on the presence of the iconic slasher, Michael Myers, or the outstanding kills that can be performed in the game, but rather the presence of a controlled substance.”
“The presence of a controlled substance” in Halloween: The Game is more so a gameplay feature than a cutscene appearance, as players can smoke weed to see Michael’s pings or movements across the map. Hilariously, this is what gets Halloween banned in Australia, instead of the gory 80s slasher kills performed by the original Halloween slasher.
Players have rightfully slammed the Australian Classification Board over banning Halloween: The Game, saying that the slaughter of civilians is somehow less offensive than using marijuana to gain gameplay boosts. Others have also criticized IllFonic over their refusal to release in New Zealand, stating that it’s a different country from Australia.
Australia has been harsh with its ratings and age verifications, as seen with GTA 6 restrictions last month. However, IllFonic remains firm on keeping Halloween: The Game true to its original vision, even if that means leaving Australia empty-handed.
