After Target Australia removed Grand Theft Auto V from their shelves yesterday in response to customer feedback, Kmart Australia has followed suit and removed the game from their shelves as well.
Kotaku Australia was able to confirm the news, receiving this statement from the retailer:
Following a significant review of all content in Grand Theft Auto Games Kmart has taken the decision to remove this product immediately. Kmart apologizes for not being closer to the content of this game.
Part of the reason Kmart Australia pulled GTAV so soon after Target Australia likely comes from the fact that they are both owned by the same retail group, Wesfarmers.
When reached for comment, the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association, which “is an independent industry association representing the business and public policy interests of Australian and New Zealand companies in the computer and video game industry,” talked about how they’re surprised by the decision:
Over the past few decades video games have taken their place alongside film, literature and television as a medium capable of entertaining all ages, including the ability to sustain complex and mature themes for an adult audience that rival similar works in other media. As a result, IGEA are surprised by the recent removal of a popular R18 game from retail shelves given the average age of a gamer in this country is 32.
Games should not be treated any differently than books, music, television, or movies rated R18. IGEA’s members are proud of their compliance with the National Classification Scheme and believe that consumers, which includes parents and caregivers, should be allowed to make informed decisions for themselves.
You can read Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s response to the removal of Grand Theft Auto V over here.
[Source: Kotaku Australia, Polygon]
