Silent Hill f has been banned in Australia

The Australian Classification Board has decided against allowing the release of Konami’s latest psychological horror installment, Silent Hill f. The game has been “Refused Classification,” indicating that its graphic content exceeds the acceptable limits for an R18+ rating, thereby making it illegal to sell in Australia.

While specific reasons for the ban remain undisclosed, we can infer potential causes based on the game’s mature content description provided by Konami. The listing cites elements such as gender discrimination, child abuse, torture, and graphic violence.

History suggests that Australia typically prohibits games featuring drug use or abuse involving minors. Earlier titles like Fallout 3 and recent releases such as Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition encountered similar issues. It’s unclear if Konami will alter the game to comply with the board’s standards, as significant aspects of the content appear integral to the gameplay.

Set in the 1960s, Silent Hill f is located in the rural town of Ebisugaoka, where protagonist Shimizu Hinako navigates complex puzzles while battling grotesque monsters, reflecting the cultural themes of that era in Japan.

This isn’t the first time a Silent Hill title has faced a ban in Australia—Silent Hill: Homecoming was also banned back in 2008 before modifications allowed for its release after the introduction of the R18+ rating in 2013. Given the graphic nature of Silent Hill f’s themes, it remains to be seen whether any adjustments will be made for its future release.