HunterxHunter NenxImpactthe upcoming Arc System Works and Bushiroad fighting game based on the hugely popular manga IP HunterxHunter, has been refused classification by the Australian government. This means that unless something in the game is changed to better suit the country’s sensibilities, it cannot be sold, advertised, or even imported into Straya.

The exact reason why hasn’t been listed on the game’s official website listing, though we’ve reached out to find out why. While Australia isn’t the biggest market in the industry by any means, it’s still a puzzling situation.

So, what do we know about HunterxHunter NenxImpact that could potentially cause this action? Well, as a fighting game, it features a cast of kids getting smacked by various adults. Now it would not be alone in the genre. Take Street Fighter 6 for example, probably the most popular fighting game right now. It features Lily, who is like 14 right? And Zangief can spineless her all day without attracting Anthony Albanese.

Now, mind you, HunterxHunter is a very… special manga. And NenxImpact has a character that is a bit of a… nonce. It’s the clown Hisoka, who gets very weird around the main character. Looking at list of previous games banned in Australiaimplied (or sometimes direct) sexual content with children is (rightly) a no-go. Perhaps this is what made the Australian government a little nervous. I mean, it’s weird! It’s strange. The game is good, the show is good. Hisoka is weird. Sorry.

Ultimately, we won’t know until someone in a suit and tie in the Australian government states why. But let’s move on to Busiroad and Arc System Works. How upset are these two companies about it? Obviously, developers want their game in every country, but it’s also fair to say that Australia probably isn’t a major region for the game. Australia has a passionate fighting game scene and a large manga-loving community, but generally it’s not a big sales horse.

If you’re a fighting game fan in Australia affected by this, sorry! Looks like you’ll have to give this one a miss, unless something changes. I would note, for your own sake, that going to jail for owning a copy of HunterxHunter NenxImpact that you’re not supposed to would be incredibly embarrassing for you, albeit kind of fun, so don’t chance it.