“Bioshock” inspired, “We Happy Few” has been denied classification in Australia. The game entered Early Access back in 2016 and is set for a full release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC later this year.
“We Happy Few” was refused classification under the Game 1 (a) clause for the Australian Classification Board. This reason can be found on the Classification Board’s website and states the game that deals with the likes of sex, drugs and violence that go against what is morally accepted by adults should not be given a classification in Australia.
You can visit their website to see the full details of the refusal, but it seems that due to the subject matter and gameplay included in "We Happy Few" they have been denied classification by the Australian Classification Board.
This means that the game can no longer be sold in Australia. Developer Compulsion Games and Gearbox Software have not yet spoken about this refusal notice issue in Australia, but it will impact their potential sales figures.
Other denied games
“We Happy Few” joins the likes of “State of Decay,” “Hotline Miami 2,” “Saints Row IV,” and “South Park: Stick of Truth” in having been refused classification by the Australian Classification Board. Some of these games were subsequently edited and resubmitted to the board and were granted ratings.
This is because the highest possible adult rating for video games in Australia is R18+, and anything that is deemed above that is denied entry.
“We Happy Few” is set in an alternate history version of 1960s England. The game takes place in a fictional town called Wellington Wells and gives the player control of three characters who refuse to take their happy pills.
They must then try and escape the town without being captured by its residents. Players will slowly unveil the dark history of the town and learn why everyone is so happy. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses that help them survive this dark, twisted world.
Developers of 'We Happy Few'
Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, this is independent developer Compulsion Games second major project.
Their first major game release was called “Contrast” which was released back in 2013. This game blended 2D and 3D gameplay as you ventured through a noir French inspired world. Players needed to solve puzzles by using their shadow to move to places they otherwise couldn’t reach. The game was highly praised and was released on Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
