Nintendo Addresses Dispatch Censorship Issue with Limited Clarity
Nintendo has encountered significant scrutiny regarding the censorship of the game *Dispatch* on its Switch and Switch 2 platforms. Players have noted several censorship measures that differ from those found on PC and PS5 versions.
Nintendo’s Handling of Censorship in Dispatch
On platforms like PC and PS5, *Dispatch* features settings for various censorship options. These include disabled licensed music, visual censorship, and profanity filters. However, the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions lack an option for visual censorship, resulting in automatic censorship.
Impact on Gameplay Experience
This absence leads to visual modifications in the game. Notably, certain scenes depict nudity obscured by black boxes. Additionally, audio censorship mutes character sounds during intimate scenes, affecting the overall experience.
AdHoc Studio’s Statement
- AdHoc Studio confirmed they collaborated with Nintendo to meet content criteria.
- The studio asserted that the game’s main narrative and gameplay remains unchanged from the original version.
Despite this, their statement left many questions unanswered, with speculation indicating that Nintendo’s policies may be responsible for the censorship.
Nintendo’s Response to Censorship Concerns
Recent requests for clarity from Nintendo resulted in an official statement. However, the response has been criticized for lacking substance. Observers expected more straightforward answers, but instead, Nintendo’s wording has added to the confusion.
Speculations on Censorship Origins
There is ongoing speculation regarding the game’s CERO D rating in Japan. Some fans suggest that if *Dispatch* were released as a universal version, it would need to adhere to Japanese censorship standards. This could explain the absence of the visual censorship toggle for international releases.
In contrast, the absence of censorship for titles like *Cyberpunk 2077* is attributed to the availability of a separate CERO Z rated version specifically for Japanese audiences. This variant, though also censored, was accessible only through Japan’s eShop.
Conclusion
The dialogue between Nintendo and AdHoc has left fans with uncertainties. The lack of a clear statement has led to varied interpretations of who bears responsibility for the game’s censorship. As inquiries continue, updates from both parties will be crucial to clarify the situation surrounding *Dispatch* and its release on Nintendo platforms.
