20 Video Games from the ’90s That Have Been Banned or Censored
The 1990s were a golden age for video games, marked by innovation and creativity. However, some titles faced censorship or outright bans due to their controversial content. Here are 21 video games that stirred up controversy and found themselves on the wrong side of the law or public opinion.
This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.
Mortal Kombat (1992)
Mortal Kombat’s release in 1992 ignited a firestorm of controversy due to its unprecedented level of graphic violence and the introduction of “fatalities,” finishing moves that often resulted in gruesome deaths. The game’s realistic depiction of bloodshed and brutality sparked widespread concern, leading to calls for censorship and outright bans in several countries.
Night Trap (1992)
Night Trap, an early FMV game released in 1992, was at the center of a media frenzy and congressional hearings on video game violence. The game’s premise, which involved protecting teenage girls from vampiric intruders, drew criticism for its suggestive content and portrayal of violence against women.
Doom (1993)
Doom, released in 1993 by id Software, revolutionized the gaming landscape. However, the game also courted controversy due to its graphic violence, occult imagery, and perceived desensitization to virtual bloodshed. Doom’s intense action and dark themes sparked fears of moral corruption and addiction among players, prompting calls for censorship and bans.
Leisure Suit Larry series (1998)
The Leisure Suit Larry series, known for its risqué humor and adult themes, faced widespread censorship and bans throughout its tumultuous history. The games, which followed the exploits of the bumbling protagonist Larry Laffer as he pursued romantic conquests, drew ire from conservative groups and moral guardians for their explicit content and sexual innuendo.
Carmageddon (1997)
Carmageddon, released in 1997 by Stainless Games, raised eyebrows with its anarchic gameplay and controversial premise. Players were tasked with causing as much vehicular mayhem as possible, including running over pedestrians, in a dystopian world where chaos reigned supreme. The game’s wanton violence and disregard for societal norms caused authorities to condemn its glorification of reckless behavior and disregard for human life.
Grand Theft Auto (1997)
The brainchild of DMA Design (later Rockstar North), Grand Theft Auto burst onto the gaming scene in 1997, challenging conventions and stirring controversy with its open-world mayhem and criminal activities. Players assumed the role of a small-time crook navigating a sprawling urban landscape, engaging in car theft, violence, and other illicit activities.
Postal (1997)
Postal, developed by Running With Scissors, shocked and appalled players with its unrelenting depiction of violence and antisocial behavior. Set in a fictional town overrun by corruption and chaos, the game encourages players to unleash their sadistic impulses. Postal’s gratuitous violence and dark humor pushed the boundaries of taste and decency, earning a reputation as one of the most controversial games of its time.
Phantasmagoria (1995)
Developed by Sierra On-Line, Phantasmagoria shocked audiences with its graphic violence, sexual content, and disturbing themes upon its release in 1995. The point-and-click adventure game follows the harrowing journey of a novelist who unwittingly unleashes dark forces within her new home, leading to madness and terror.
Manhunt (1999)
Manhunt, developed by Rockstar North, plunged players into a nightmarish world of survival and sadism, where deranged killers hunted them in a brutal game of cat and mouse. The game’s relentless violence and bleak atmosphere sparked outrage and calls for censorship. Manhunt’s unflinching portrayal of violence and its impact on society prompted intense scrutiny and debate.
Duke Nukem 3D (1996)
Duke Nukem 3D, released by 3D Realms, captured the zeitgeist of the ’90s with its irreverent humor, over-the-top action, and politically incorrect protagonist. Players assumed the role of Duke Nukem, a muscle-bound hero on a mission to save the world from alien invaders, spouting cheesy one-liners and indulging in wanton destruction. The game’s crude humor, sexual innuendo, and graphic violence sparked controversy.
Wolfenstein 3D (1992)
Wolfenstein 3D, developed by id Software, thrust players into the heart of World War II as they battled hordes of Nazi soldiers and monstrous experiments gone awry. The game’s unapologetic depiction of violence and its glorification of war stirred controversy and censorship attempts in various countries, with authorities deeming its content too inflammatory and offensive.
Lethal Enforcers (1992)
Lethal Enforcers utilized light gun peripherals, allowing players to simulate police shootouts in various urban environments. However, its depiction of graphic violence and the use of realistic firearms raised concerns among parents and lawmakers, leading to calls for stricter regulation of arcade games.
Thrill Kill (Cancelled)
Thrill Kill was set in a hellish realm where deceased souls battled for supremacy. It featured graphic depictions of gore and sadomasochistic themes. Thrill Kill’s gratuitous violence and overtly sexualized characters drew condemnation from moral watchdogs and industry critics, leading its publisher, Virgin Interactive, to cancel its release out of fear of backlash.
Mad Dog McCree (1990)
Mad Dog McCree, an arcade light gun game developed by American Laser Games, transported players to the Wild West, where they assumed the role of a gunslinger tasked with taking down outlaws and rescuing a kidnapped mayor’s daughter. Mad Dog McCree’s use of digitized actors and interactive shooting sequences made it a novelty attraction in arcades. Still, its glorification of gun violence and stereotypical portrayal of characters drew criticism from concerned parents and advocacy groups.
Custer’s Revenge (1982)
Although technically released in the ’80s, Custer’s Revenge gained notoriety in the ’90s for its crude depiction of sexual assault and racially insensitive themes. The game, developed by Mystique for the Atari 2600 console, featured a pixelated rendition of General George Armstrong Custer as he attempted to navigate a hail of arrows to approach a woman who is Native American and tethered to a post. Custer’s Revenge sparked outrage and condemnation from women’s rights groups and Native American advocacy organizations.
Battle Arena Toshinden (1995)
Battle Arena Toshinden, a 3D fighting game developed by Tamsoft, attracted controversy for its suggestive character designs and revealing costumes. The game featured a diverse cast of fighters engaged in martial arts battles, with several female characters sporting skimpy outfits that emphasized their physical attributes.
Pokémon Trading Card Game (1999)
The Pokémon Trading Card Game, based on the wildly popular Pokémon franchise, faced backlash in 1999 for allegedly promoting gambling among children. The game, which involved collecting and trading cards featuring various Pokémon creatures, became a craze among kids worldwide. However, some schools and parents expressed concerns about the game’s potentially addictive nature and its similarities to traditional gambling activities like card games and lotteries.
Blood (1997)
Blood, a first-person shooter developed by Monolith Productions, pushed the boundaries of graphic violence and gore upon its release in 1997. The game followed the exploits of Caleb, a vengeful gunslinger resurrected by a cult dedicated to an ancient god of evil. Blood’s intense action, dark humor, and gruesome depictions of violence attracted a devoted fanbase but also raised concerns among parents and lawmakers about its potential impact on impressionable players.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert (1996)
Command & Conquer: Red Alert, a real-time strategy game developed by Westwood Studios, faced censorship in Germany for its depiction of Adolf Hitler and the use of Nazi symbols. The game, set in an alternate history where the Allies battle the Soviet Union, included missions involving the Third Reich and its infamous leader.
South Park (1999)
South Park: Chef’s Luv Shack, a party game based on the popular animated TV series, courted controversy for its crude humor and adult themes. Developed by Acclaim Entertainment, the game featured mini-games and trivia challenges hosted by characters from the show, including Chef. South Park: Chef’s Luv Shack’s irreverent humor and satirical take on pop culture drew criticism from conservative groups and concerned parents, who objected to its profanity and sexual content.
