2002: Still banned in Australia, Miamians rankled
If you're curious, YouTuber Vadim M put together a compilation showcasing the differences between the editions, offering a strange perspective into a universe where GTA was rated T for Teen. Rockstar had to go back and edit the version of GTA 3 that fit Australian regulations, toning down the gore significantly. Australian videogame regulations are a riddle wrapped in an enigma, which is why nobody should be surprised that GTA 3 was refused a ratings classification by the OFLC-the now-dissolved down-under government bureau that served as the country's version of the ESRB, now replaced by the Australian Classification Board.
That is, of course, unless you live in Australia, where you are very much out of luck. You just got out of middle school and are hitching a ride with your buddy Glenn to chug Jolt Sodas, crank the first Alien Ant Farm CD, and play about 12 consecutive hours of the greatest videogame in the world, Grand Theft Auto 3.
