Last week, we talked about how the Australian government’s uproar concerning the admission of violent video games into their country .Their fears ran rampant as it seemed that, in their minds, once video games containing violent content began to appear in stores in the Great Southern Land, everyone would automatically use their “amatars” to go and digitally rape and steal. It’s a fair concern, as we all know about that dual-use Rape-and-Rob command that is worked into all games aimed at gamers older than 12.

All smarmy comments aside, though, there is good news for Australian Fallout fans, for their government has decided against banning it outright in the country and has instead chosen to deny sales of it to gamers who aren’t old enough to deal with the intense activities contained within. According to the Australian Classification Board, Fallout 3 now bears a MA 15+ rating. The document sadly did not include a release date for the game in Australia, but rest assured, it is coming.

I’m not sure how to regard the behavior of countries like Australia and Singapore, who initially ban games due to the fact they have content in them they don’t agree with -- lesbian sex or violence, take your pick -- but then rework the rules so that the game bears a higher classification. Wouldn’t it just be a good deal simpler to just apply the rating to the game without grandstanding before the world how terrible you think it is before suddenly allowing to sell it in your country? Honestly, sovereign governments, if you must waffle before finally relenting, try not to overact so: it doesn’t look convincing.

- Via XboxOz360Gamer