Dispatch Devs Explain Uncensored Switch Release Challenge; Silent on Regional Issues
Dispatch debuted on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 last week in a censored format. Unlike players on platforms such as PS5 and PC, Nintendo users lack the option to toggle visual censorship. This means they’ll encounter black boxes covering nudity and muted sound in specific scenes, limiting the adult content that is a key aspect of the game.
Censorship Challenges for Dispatch on Switch
AdHoc Studio, the developer behind Dispatch, recently addressed the community’s concerns regarding censorship. They confirmed that they are in talks with Nintendo to tackle these issues. While a fully uncensored version may not be feasible, AdHoc aims to issue an update that will come “close” to restoring some originally censored content.
Uncensored Physical Release Possibility
When questioned about the potential for an uncensored physical version of Dispatch, AdHoc’s representatives indicated that there were no plans for such a release. Currently, there are no announcements concerning a physical edition. The PR contact stated, “There is no possibility for a physical version to be released without the adjusted content.”
This response was disappointing for fans who had hoped for an unaltered experience. In a previous interview, Natalie Herman, Lead Producer on Dispatch, expressed a desire for a physical release, saying, “Let’s just say we’ve dreamed of Dispatch in a shiny red case.”
Impact of Censorship Ratings on Release Strategy
Speculation has arisen around the game’s CERO D rating in Japan and how this might have influenced the universal release strategy. It appears that the decision to offer a single version globally was based on Japanese censorship rules, which led to the removal of the visual censorship toggle for all regions. Therefore, players in North America and Europe received the same censored version.
In contrast, titles like Cyberpunk 2077 managed to avoid similar issues by having separate releases tailored for different markets, including a CERO Z version exclusively for Japan. AdHoc’s team could not provide further insights about the inability to create separate SKUs for various regions, stating legal constraints limit their comments on the issue.
Conclusion
As it stands, Dispatch fans on Nintendo’s platforms must navigate the challenges posed by censorship. While AdHoc is striving to provide some improvements, the hope for an entirely uncensored experience remains uncertain. The discussions surrounding the game’s release strategy highlight the complexities of international ratings and censorship laws affecting video games today.
