An electronic game has been banned by the chief film censor because it "incites extreme violence."

After viewing Postal 2 chief censor Bill Hastings says the game allows a player to kill quickly, or kill in a cruel manner. And it's this distinction, Hastings says, which crosses the line.

"Going postal" is American slang for someone becoming so stressed they turn into a homicidal lunatic. This is the theme of the game.

"The way the postal guy interacts with people is always with violence - either people are provoked when they see him or he provokes the people," Hastings says.

The game's creators defend it claiming the player controls the level of violence. The player can choose to hurt nobody if they wanted to.

The ban comes as a new report has been released in the US claiming parents aren't showing enough concern at how graphic and violent video games have become.

David Walsh from the US Institute on Media and the Family says a teenage boy playing a violent game for hours on end and the mistreatment of women is glamourised, is not suitable during "these very, very important informative years."

But some in the game industry say so far there has been no demand for the game however this may change if it's banned.

Game retailer Campbell Burrowes says banning it will probably generate more interest in the game and people will find a way to get their hands on it.