Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has been refused classification in Australia. The expanded version of ZA/UM's smash hit CRPG was originally due to launch in Australia on March 30th on PlayStation platforms, with Xbox and Switch releases due later in 2021.
Why was Disco Elysium: The Final Cut refused classification in Australia?
In its decision, the Australian classifications board said that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut was refused classification in accordance with the National Classification Code. Said code prohibits classification of games that depict "sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena" in a way that offends against standards of "morality, decency and propriety". Given that Disco Elysium has substance abuse and addiction at its center, it's perhaps not surprising that it was rejected by the Australian board.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is due to be the first chance console gamers have had to experience 2019's hit RPG. It was due to launch in Australia on PS5 and PS4 later this month, with releases following later in the year for both Xbox platforms and Nintendo Switch. It's still completely possible to purchase and play the game via Steam in Australia, so if you haven't played it yet, don't worry - you can still get your hands on it. We don't yet know what strategy, if any, ZA/UM will pursue in getting the game released on consoles Down Under. Given how the themes contentious to Australia are woven into the narrative, it's unlikely any changes will be enough in that regard.
What extra content will be in Disco Elysium: The Final Cut?
The release date for Disco Elysium: The Final Cut was announced a couple of days ago. In addition to the full base game, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut on consoles will also include some quality-of-life improvements, full voice acting, and some extra quests relating to the political aspects of the game. If you already own Disco Elysium on PC - either via Steam, GOG, or the Epic Games Store - then you'll get access to the new stuff at no extra cost.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut will launch for PlayStation platforms, Google Stadia, and the App Store on March 30th (provided you're not in Australia, of course). An Xbox version is coming this summer, with a Switch version also planned this year. We'll bring you more on this as soon as we get it.
How do you feel about Australia refusing classification to Disco Elysium: The Final Cut? Let us know in the comments below!
