Overview
Regional censorship refers to the modification of game content for different markets based on cultural sensitivities, legal requirements, or corporate policies. From religious symbol removal to violence reduction, these changes meant players in different regions often experienced fundamentally different games.
Fast Facts
- Era: 1980s-present
- Types: Violence, religion, sexuality, politics
- Methods: Removal, replacement, recolouring
- Major markets: US, Japan, Germany, Australia
Nintendo’s Content Policies (1980s-90s)
| Prohibited | Example |
|---|
| Religious symbols | Crosses removed from Castlevania |
| Blood | Made green or removed |
| Tobacco/alcohol | Bars became cafes |
| Death references | ”Defeated” not “killed” |
Germany (BPjM Indexing)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|
| System | BPjM index |
| Effect | Indexed games can’t be advertised |
| Solutions | Robot replacements, green blood |
| Notable: | Carmageddon required robots |
Japan vs West
| Content | Japan | Western |
|---|
| Blood | Often present | Often removed |
| Nudity | More common | Censored |
| Religion | Acceptable | Often removed |
| Difficulty | Original | Sometimes easier |
Notable Examples
| Game | Region | Change |
|---|
| Carmageddon | Germany | Humans → Robots |
| Mortal Kombat | SNES | Blood → Sweat |
| Final Fantasy VI | US | Religious references removed |
Legacy
Regional censorship created the concept of “import gaming”—players seeking uncensored versions. Digital distribution has complicated regional content control, though region-specific ratings and laws continue to affect releases.
See Also