The asymmetrical multiplayer title was, surprisingly, completely banned Down Under. For once, the reason isn’t the killer, but the use of marijuana.
According to developer IllFonic, the upcoming Halloween: The Game will not be released in Australia and New Zealand.
Onsocial mediathe team itself was quite vague in its comments. In response to a question from an Australian fan asking why he couldn’t find the game in stores, IllFonic replied: “Despite all our efforts, the Australian Classification Board has denied ‘Halloween: The Game’ a rating.”
Despite every effort on our part, the Australian Classification Board has denied “Halloween: The Game” a rating. The denial was not based on the presence of the iconic slasher, Michael Myers, or the outstanding kills that can be performed in the game, but rather the presence of…
— Halloween: The Game (@HalloweenTVG) August 9, 2026
Cannabis Use as an Unusual Gameplay Mechanic
It goes on to say: “The reason for the rejection was not the legendary slasher Michael Myers or the particularly spectacular kills in the game, but rather the depiction of a controlled substance. To our great disappointment—and surely yours as well—this means we are not allowed to sell the product in Australia and New Zealand, either physically or digitally.”
Information about this “controlled substance” is provided on the siteBloody Disgusting, which reported several months ago that you can smoke a joint in the game to gain advantages: “If you smoke weed in Halloween, you can see Michael’s pings across the entire map,” the Slash ‘N Cast podcast said at the time. “That’s a pretty funny gameplay mechanic.”
But apparently, people in New Zealand and Australia don’t find it that funny.
Gameplay and Planned Release Date
Halloween: The Game is based on John Carpenter’s 1978 horror film and is set to be released on September 8 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
As with other games from IllFonic (Friday the 13th: The Game, Predator: Hunting Grounds, and others), this title features an asymmetrical multiplayer mode. One player takes on the role of the killer Michael Myers, while four others step into the shoes of residents of the small town of Haddonfield. They must warn their neighbors, get them to flee, and call the police before the timer runs out.
