Mannered

Yes, you're correct that digital distribution via the PC is not restricted in that sense. But all content on consoles are unfortunately. There are situations where games such as Terry Cavanagh's VVVVVV had been delayed for it's DSi release over four months when it was expected to drop the same time as the EU release; this was all due to mandatory classifications.

The developers behind Retro City Rampage was not released in Australia on the Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3. All consoles that it was originally developed for because of how expensive the classifications are over here and simply cannot afford it. Article

Computer releases are safe. But this is something that I honestly wouldnt know how to combat as a consumer and frankly I dont think many people even know about this subject.

First off; thank you very much for all the time and effort that you've put into Dishonored. One of my personal favourite games from last year and thank you for taking some time to do an AMA.

Q1: What do you think is going to be the major challenges from heading into Indie Development?

Q2: Also; curiously I dont know if you know this but as a major console gamer myself living in Australia. A lot of people that are currently making indie games actually have quite a hard time even thinking about releasing indie games on Australian consoles due to the pure fact of mandatory classifications needed for any console release games over here.

In turn that's effected places like the Indie Arcade section over here to not existing at all and releases to completely miss Australia because of it such as Retro City Rampage and a few others.

While you've not faced this yourself I believe; what are your thoughts and opinions on the matter and do you think there are solutions that the gaming industry can put forward to issues like this?

Thanks for replying.

I do plan to eventually start doing things such as discussions, emails and all that. The same was done to finally bring an R18+ classification to Australia; but they had a lot of support and campaigning for it; a feat I cannot see myself accomplishing.

Who knows, talking to the right people might help.

Good luck with the AMA and good luck to the future of Indie Gaming!