Halloween: The Game won't launch in Australia and New Zealand due to being denied rating classification

If you have September 8 circled on your calendar as the day you will be able to hop into IllFonic's next asymmetrical multiplayer horror title, the project known as Halloween: The Game, it might be worth knowing not every region will be able to join in on the fun and your hopes may be dashed before they ever really take shape.

As confirmed by the developer, Halloween: The Game will not be launching in Australia or New Zealand as planned, neither in a physical or digital format, as the Australian Classifications Board has decided to deny the game a rating.

The reason being isn't down to the violence or gore, but rather because the title has "the presence of a controlled substance", with this likely being in relation to the cannabis players can smoke to be able to see Michael Myers' across the map to give them a better chance to fight back against the unstoppable serial killer.

In full, IllFonic explains: "Despite every effort on our part, the Australian Classifications Board has denied "Halloween: The Game" a rating. The denial was not based on the presence of the iconic slasher, Michael Myers, or the outstanding kills that can be performed in the game, but rather the presence of a controlled substance. Unfortunately, to our disappointment (and certainly yours) this means that we cannot sell the physical or digital product in both Australia and New Zealand."

Some fans are reporting they have been refunded their pre-orders because of this situation, but long story short is if you live in either Oceania country, you won't be able to partake in the horror thrills when Halloween: The Game arrives in less than a month on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.