Australian gamers canceling Grand Theft Auto 4 pre-orders, will import game instead

Australian gamers hoping to get their hands on Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto IV (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360) are already brimming with frustration. First there was news of an Australia-only expensive retail price, then there was confirmation of a trimmed-down version of GTA 4 just for them. With the game’s nearing release this April 29, more Australians have been canceling pre-orders. More details after the jump.

Already saddled with an expensive retail price, the Australian version of Grand Theft Auto IV (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360) has even been confirmed to be edited to comply with the wishes of the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification (OLFC).

It seems a lot of Australian gamers are not putting up with all these troubles. The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that many Australians have already canceled their pre-orders, and that some gamers have even openly claimed that they will import the uncensored version – even if it is against Australian law.

Most of the problem stems with the fact that Australia doesn’t have an R18+ rating. Having a couple of run-ins with Australia in the past (GTA III and GTA: San Andreas), Rockstar Games has carefully tailored GTA 4 for the M15+ rating. In fact, Rockstar is claiming the Australian version is as good as the other versions.

However, the drastic measures Australian gamers could take to obtain the uncensored game may strengthen the campaign to integrate R18+ in Australia. Local attorneys are now debating the merits of an adults-only game category. Updates as QJ.NET gets them.

Buy: [ Grand Theft Auto IV (PlayStation 3), (Xbox 360) ]
Buy: [ Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition (PlayStation 3), (Xbox 360) ]