Halloween The Game Banned in Australia Over Drug Depiction

The upcoming horror video game Halloween The Game will not be released in Australia or New Zealand after the Australian Classification Board denied it a rating, effectively banning its sale in both countries. The developers, Illfonic and Gun Interactive, announced the decision on August 9, 2026, stating the refusal was due to the game's depiction of a controlled substance, not its violent content.

The game, which features both a single-player mode as the slasher Michael Myers and an asymmetrical multiplayer mode, is scheduled for a worldwide launch on September 8, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. In a statement posted on the game's official social media account, the developers explained, "Despite every effort on our part, the Australian Classifications Board has denied Halloween The Game a rating. 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."

While the specific substance was not named in the official statement, reports indicate the issue stems from a gameplay mechanic that allows characters to consume cannabis to gain...