In order to appeal the previous bans on the game, the developers had to cut a Loyalty Mission from the game which involved alien narcotics. The narcotics involved were deemed too similar to real life drugs, which put the level in breach of a rule prohibiting rewards based off drug use in games.
The removal of the mission means that the AU version will be different from the version “rated by rating boards like the ESRB, USK, and PEGI, which is why it will be incompatible with those versions in co-op.”
Initially, Saints Row IV was also refused classification because of an anal probe weapon. This “always has been a bonus weapon for the Season Pass”. However, the developers are still unsure if Australian will be able to receive the weapon as part of the Pass.
The uncensored version of Saints Row IV and anal probe weapon have both been confirmed for release in New Zealand.