One of the world’s oldest fighting video game franchises has had it’s upcoming release banned in Australia.

The new Mortal Kombat is brutal, violent, and apparently pushes the boundaries a bit too far for Australia. The Australian Classification Board has refused classification, and thus the game will not see release on their shores. An anonymous tipster informed IGN earlier today, and later it was confirmed by Warner Bros. Interactive with the following statement:

The highly anticipated video game Mortal Kombat, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) in Australia, has been refused classification by the Australian Classification Board and will not release in Australia. We are extremely disappointed that Mortal Kombat, one of the world’s oldest and most successful video games franchises, will not be available to mature Australian gamers. WBIE would not market mature content where it is not appropriate for the audience. We understand that not all content is for every audience, but there is an audience for mature gaming content and it would make more sense to have the R18+ classification in Australia. As a member of the iGEA, WBIE is reviewing all options available at this time.

I’m sure the Australian people are disappointed too. Stores have been requested to remove signs advertising the game, as well as canceling any pre-orders that have been made. Hopefully someone decides to reconsider, or maybe WBIE will publish a blood free version. Sorry Australia.