Dispatch Released with Censored Content on Nintendo Switch
The superhero workplace comedy game Dispatch has been released on the Nintendo Switch platform with its censorship mode permanently enabled for users.
Platform Criteria Changed Game Content
Dispatch, which was released for PC, PS5, and Xbox consoles last October and achieved unexpected success, became available for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 this week. However, players noticed that in this version, some adult-oriented scenes have black boxes over them, and the censorship mode found in the game settings is enabled by default and cannot be turned off.
Nintendo: "We Do Not Alter the Content"
Following the debates that started on social media, Nintendo stated in a statement to IGN that it is not responsible for content changes on its platforms. A Nintendo spokesperson said, "Nintendo requires all games on its platform to receive ratings from independent organizations and to comply with our established content and platform rules. For titles that do not meet the content criteria, we inform our business partners, but Nintendo does not make changes to partner content."
The game's developer, AdHoc Studios, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Nintendo's statement and why the censorship mode was made permanent. However, prior to the game's release, the company stated in a statement to Eurogamer that they worked with Nintendo and that the changes made would provide the same experience as other versions of the game.
Player Reaction and Possibility of Reversal
Following these developments, some players requested refunds for the game due to the censorship. According to a screenshot shared by an X user, Nintendo rejected this request. In light of the backlash, it remains unclear whether AdHoc Studios will add an option to disable the censorship mode in a future update.
This situation has once again brought to the forefront the impact of different platforms' content policies on developers and player experience. Regulations in technology and artificial intelligence can also be affected by similar platform policies. For example, in our article titled Kevin Warsh and the Regime Change in AI Regulations, we discussed how rules in the sector are being shaped.
