MDA: L4D2 much more violent than L4D

The violence in Left 4 Dead 2 is “more realistic” than that of Left 4 Dead, thereby warranting the higher M18 rating, according to a spokesperson from the Media Development Authority of Singapore.

Responding to an email query from GameSync, head of MDA’s video games department Ernest Khoo wrote that “the depiction of violence in [L4D2] is more realistic, especially with the introduction of melee weapons … and is therefore more suitable for a mature audience above 18 years old”.

MDA’s full reply is quoted below:

MDA’s video games classification system aims to provide more choices for adult gamers while at the same time protect the young and provide parents information on the suitability of a game for their children.

The game “Left 4 Dead 2” was given a M18 rating with the consumer advice of “Strong Violence and Gore” by the Board of Film Censors. It was rated M18 due to the realistic depiction of violence and gore found in the combat sequences where the player has to fight human-like enemies known as “The Infected”. Compared to the first game, “Left 4 Dead” (which was given an Age Advisory 16 rating), the depiction of violence in the sequel is more realistic, especially with the introduction of melee weapons. Given the differences in the level of violence, the sequel ‘Left 4 Dead 2’ meets the M18 content guidelines for video games and is therefore more suitable for a mature audience above 18 years old.

The M18 rating given to the game is also similar to other countries. For example, the US rating board ESRB has given the game a Mature (17+); Europe’s PEGI has given it an 18; Japan’s CERO has given it a Z (18+); and Germany’s USK has given it a 18+. This indicates that the game is more suitable for an adult audience.

Ernest Khoo
Head (Video Games)
Media Development Authority of Singapore