The OFLC claimed that the game was unsuitable for an MA 15+ rating due to "frequent and intense depictions of violence" and "graphic depictions of blood and gore." A higher rating than MA 15+, such as 18+, does not currently exist for video games in Australia.

The OFLC's report also noted that a minority of the board believed that the November 17-due PC and Xbox 360 game "warrants an MA 15+ classification with the customer advice of strong violence"--the classification granted to the original Left 4 Dead.

Along with word of the appeal, Valve also sent along a ratings update for the game:

COMPLETED RATINGS
PEGI (continental Europe) - 18+
ESRB (North America) - M
CERO (Japan) -Z (corresponds to Mature in US)
IFCO (Ireland) - Approved the title for classification.
USK (Germany) - 18+
Singapore - Mature 18
FPB (South Africa) - 18+
KGRB (Korea) -18+

PENDING RATINGS
OLFC New Zealand - In progress.
BBFC (UK) - In progress.
OFLC Australia - Refused to rate on September 17. Appealed September 23.