The Weekly Raid: Is Video Game Censorship Acceptable?

Debates about video game censorship have been ongoing since the 8-bit era: Ness was made to wear pajamas instead of baring it all for the North American release, while Bowser couldn't flip off players in Super Mario RPG. It's the never-ending debate, and every few months a fully clothed time bomb makes the gaming media rounds.

Typically, headlines follow the same formula: "Sexualized Content Removed!" As soon as any cleavage is covered up every critic grabs their pitchfork. Are they wrong to do so?

There are vast cultural difference between countries, most dramatically demonstrated when comparing Japan and North America (or Japan and [Any Nation]). And companies suppress content to meet the demands of a particular culture. It's a business decision.

As far as MMOs, Blade and Soul made the controversial decision to alter female underwear and the game's narrative. While the choice may not have large-scale gameplay ramifications there is something inherently uncomfortable when games are repackaged for specific audiences.

But not all altered content falls into the exaggerated realm of Orwellian censorship. Sometimes regional releases add content to enhance the experience. Black Desert Online has an impressive character creator, but the Korean version doesn't include dark skin tones. Whereas the North American and European release made sure to expand the skin-tone palette. While not an instance of censorship, Black Desert's regional catering does allow players to create characters better resembling themselves.

So is it wrong to remove content but okay to add content? Is it wrong to do both? Or, are both right?

Is Video Game censorship ever acceptable? Let us know in the comments below!

Each week the MMOs.com crew posts a question about MMOs to you, coinciding with the weekly podcast. We hope to hear from you in the comments section below!