Dispatch Developer to Lift Censorship on Switch Version Following Controversy
Dispatch Developer to Lift Censorship on Switch Version Following Controversy
Nintendo Switch players have been caught in a heated debate over censorship in the indie hit Dispatch. While the game features content that some may find suggestive, other titles with similar material have passed through with minimal changes. Nintendo clarified that the decision was not theirs, but confusion persisted among players.
Adhoc Studios Responds
According to Nintendo Everything, Adhoc Studios issued a statement explaining that while Nintendo did not directly censor the game, some content was restricted due to existing guidelines. The team expressed frustration that titles like The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 had bypassed similar restrictions. They also apologized for delayed transparency on the censored content in the Switch store, which affected early buyers and pre-orders.
To address the issue, Adhoc Studios is now collaborating with Nintendo to release an update that will unlock at least part of the censored content. Completion is expected in several weeks, though the studio did not guarantee a full restoration. Currently, nudity and certain profanities remain restricted.
Possible Role of CERO
Speculation suggests the censorship may involve CERO, Japan’s content rating board, rather than Nintendo or Adhoc directly. Adhoc previously stated they could not afford to create two separate versions of the game—one for global release and one rated Z for Japan with local censorship. As a result, the Z-rated version is used worldwide by default, but still complies with local content guidelines.
About Dispatch
Dispatch is an interactive narrative game that casts players as a dispatch officer, sending superheroes to handle emergencies. Developed by Adhoc Studios with former Telltale Games talent, the game blends dark comedy with branching storylines that react to player decisions, making every choice impactful.
Source: Nintendo Everything
