We asked the Australian Classification board why Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact was banned. They said it suggests “sexual violence against minors”

Bushiroad and Eighting’s upcoming licensed fighting game Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact has been denied classification by the Australian government’s rating board, meaning that the game cannot be published in Australia. 

In response to our inquiry, Australian Classification has elaborated that the reason Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact was refused an age rating was because the game contains depictions that suggest “sexual violence against characters under the age of 18 by an adult male character.” They further explained that there was no context story-wise that would justify depictions of this kind being in the game, which contributed to the decision to reject it. 

If you’re familiar with Hunter x Hunter’s source material, you’re probably thinking of Hisoka right now, as the character is known for displaying inappropriate sentiments towards the 12-year-old protagonists Gon and Killua. We don’t know if this is the exact issue in question nor to what extent it has been depicted in the fighting game, but as things stand now, the game will not be able to launch in Australia unless Bushiroad takes some kind of action. This could include revising the game’s content and re-applying for review, or providing supplementary explanations. 

Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact is scheduled to be released for PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch and PS5 in 2025.