Halloween: The Game banned in Australia and New Zealand over drug mechanic

The upcoming horror title ‘Halloween: The Game’ has been refused classification in Australia and New Zealand, preventing its legal sale in both physical and digital formats. Developer IllFonic confirmed the decision, stating that the refusal was not due to the game’s violence or the presence of the slasher Michael Myers, but rather the inclusion of a controlled substance.

The ban stems from a gameplay mechanic where players can smoke marijuana to gain tactical advantages, such as seeing the killer’s movements on the map. Under the Australian Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2023, games that feature illicit drug use linked to interactive rewards or incentives are subject to a Refusal of Classification (RC).

While the game is scheduled for a worldwide release on September 8, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, it will be unavailable in these specific regions. Although developers have historically modified content to meet local regulations—such as Bethesda renaming drugs in ‘Fallout 3’—IllFonic has not yet committed to altering the game to secure a rating.