UPDATE: 2025-07-01 12:50 EST BY CHRIS COMPENDIO
Silent Hill F Is Not Banned In Australia, Ratings Board Clarifies
The Australian Classification Board has nowrefuted reports thatSilent Hill fhas been bannedand refused classification,stating thatSilent Hill fhas not been banned despite original reports. Original article as follows.
The next mainline entry into the belovedSilent Hillfranchise,Silent Hill f, may not be making its way to Australia, after receiving a “refused classification” rating from the Australian government. The game has received official ratings from the ESRB, which suggests thatSilent Hill fmay be releasing soon, but the reason for the Australian ban is currently a mystery.
The following article briefly mentions the following topics: child abuse, abuse, and violence. This article includes some speculation that this may be aimed at the game’s teenage protagonist.
As reported byGamesRadar, the Australian government has not provided a reason for the “refused classification” rating for Konami’sSilent Hill f. This rating means that, unless major parts of the game are altered, the game will be illegal to own in the country.
While the Australian government typically provides a reason for the ban, therecurrently aren’t public details regarding the decision, with the ratings board simply saying:“For further information regarding the reason for this decision, please contact us.”
Why Silent Hill F Might Be Banned In Australia
Extreme Violence, Abuse & Other Mature Topics Are Present In Silent Hill F
This isn’t the first time aSilent Hillgame has been banned in Australia, as2008’sSilent Hill: Homecomingwas initially banned and then censored due to its themes and visuals. So what does that mean forSilent Hill f?
According to theESRBofficial rating description ofSilent Hill f,the game features graphic depictions of violence, as well as death by fire. TheSteampage for the game also mentions “gender discrimination, child abuse, bullying, drug-induced hallucinations, torture, and graphic violence.”
The official ratings line up with theSilent Hill fstory detailsthat have been revealed by Konami. Because the information is not being made public, it’spossible the ban of the game has something to do with major spoilersregarding the game’s story.
Silent Hill F Might Be My Dream Spiritual Successor To A Completely Different Franchise
We finally got another look at Silent Hill f with its new trailer. Now, I’m convinced it’ll be a spiritual successor for another franchise.
The ban could also be because of violence towards minors. The main character ofSilent Hill fis a teenage girl named Hinako Shimizu, andthis isn’t the first title that could be banned in Australia due to violence towards minors. The upcomingHunter x Hunter: Nex x Impactwas bannedin Australia for similar reasons.
Silent Hill F May Be The Most Disturbing Entry Yet
Konami Even Posted A Disclaimer On Their Official Website
With visual imagery that depicts abuse, bullying, and even torture,Silent Hill fhas mature content warnings virtually everywhere, indicating this could be the most disturbing entry in the franchise so far.Konami has also provided a statement on its official website, saying the game takes place in 1960s Japan and reflects the time period, noting:“If you feel uncomfortable at any point while playing, please take a break from playing or speak to someone you trust.”
There hasn’t been a new mainline entry in the series since 2012’sSilent Hill Downpour, andSilent Hill fis shaping up to be a return to the horrorthat has defined the series, and it may be going even further than the franchise ever has before.
