Australian gamers are hoping that R18+ games are a step closer to being sold, with the swing against Labor in South Australia meaning senior minister Michael Atkinson is quitting the cabinet.
As Attorney General, Atkinson had a key position in voting on the introduction of an R18+ classification for video games, currently an issue of much contention.
All state and federal attorneys general need to approve changes to the classification system, and up until now, South Australia had been a key thorn in the side of gamers wanting to legally obtain adult-themed titles.
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Many are forced to obtain titles illegally by downloading pirated copies.
The Federal Government recently asked for input on the issue and reportedly received 60,000 submissions, leading to Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Conner calling the response staggering.
A candidate in safe Labor seat of Croydon, Atkinson held his seat despite a 12 per cent swing against him.
A Gamers4Croydon candidate, Kat Nicholson, received 3.7 per cent.
Atkinson will be passing the controller along the couch - telling reporters there are talented people on the Labor backbench who deserve a go, and he won't seek a cabinet position if the party hangs on for a third term.
Gamers expressed their optimism that change is on the way with Atkinson, the key sticking point to reform, also gone.
"Ding dong, The Witch is Dead", wrote Gazzy on the Australian Gamer forum.
"Hopefully the country of Australia can now have this issue sorted. It'll (hopefully) be good when gaming can finally move forwards as a media and an art form."
