In a decision that has surprised many in the video games industry, Dead Island has passed through the Australian Classification Board unscathed, receiving an MA15+ rating for "strong horror violence, blood and gore."
"Leading interactive entertainment specialists QV Software are thrilled to announce that Deep Silver and Techland's much anticipated open world zombie-fest Dead Island has been rated by the Australian Classification Board as MA 15+," explains the press release.
The Australian Classification Board's ruling.
The game drops players into a zombie-infested island resort where they must use their wits and any weapons lying at hand to survive the undead onslaught. Unlike the similarly-themed Left 4 Dead, firearms are limited in the game, with a greater emphasis on melee combat.
Earlier in the year, Dead Island made headlines around the world for its devastatingly effective teaser trailer, which saw a holidaying family dispatched by a hoard of zombies in reverse (you can view the harrowing footage here).
Considering that Left 4 Dead 2 was refused classification in Australia until substantial cuts were made, the approved rating for Dead Island is a baffling outcome, though bound to be welcomed by gamers.
Dead Island will launch globally on September 9, 2011 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
Related articles:
Top 10 video game trailers: from Shadow of the Colossus to Dead Island
The Cruelest Cuts: games that were banned or modified by the Australian Classification Board
'Sexy' Wii game unveils worst trailer of all time.
