Video games cover all genres, including sports, motor racing, spies, etc. Some games are based on popular shows or movies. To create a successful video game, game developers and creators weave in story-telling, quests, or specific goals that help keep players engaged and entertained. However, some video games contain controversial themes or content that may lead to unwanted censorship. Here are 10 blockbuster video game releases that have been forbidden for their content:

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Grand Theft Auto: San Andrea

Released in 2004 as a part of one of the most extensive video game series, Grand Theft Auto: San Andrea is a video game with a lot of controversial content that raised debates on content adequacy and supervision in the video game industry. The popular video game surrounded themes of violence, gang culture, and sexual scenes, which were deemed inappropriate for many audiences, leading to the game being reclassified as a game for adults. It was even pulled out of many video game stores until it was rereleased with less controversial content.

Manhunt

Manhunt is a video game released in 2003. It follows a character forced to fight for his life using weapons to defeat enemies in some of the most graphic and violent scenes in a video game. The video game gained notoriety for how it represented violence in a video game. It was even banned in several countries. The game caused many conversations about how video game content could have a negative impact on behavior, with some arguing that its explicitly violent nature would desensitize players to violence in the real world.

Postal 2

Postal 2 is a video game released in 2003. Players of the game were required to commit various violent acts and depicted callous behavior towards animals. It had all kinds of weapons that violently attacked racial stereotypes and civilians in the game. It was meant to provide satire in an open-world environment through all its violence and degradation. The elements of the game were one of the main causes that led countries to ban the game. Many individuals questioned the moral limits and the freedom of expression in the video gaming industry.

Hatred

Released in 2015, Hatred is a video game where players had one specific purpose, i.e., to exterminate civilians and the police in the game using various kinds of weapons. With its portrayal and primary objective of going on a mass-killing spree, the game was temporarily removed from one of the prominent gaming platforms because of the public outrage it caused. However, it was reinstated into the platform with an Adults Only rating. Gaming critics criticized the game for lacking meaningful context and even deemed it promote violence and insensitivity among players.

Manhunt 2

Although Manhunt faced a lot of controversies for its content, it was successful enough to have a sequel called Manhunt 2 that was released in 2007. The sequel had the same themes of graphic content that gave it an Adults Only rating, limiting its reach and distribution. It also had the same enhanced features to allow new mechanisms for executing foes while emphasizing stealth and horror. The game also had negative portrayals of mental illness and depictions of violence, leading to questions about censorship in video games and the ethical boundaries they push.

Carmageddon

Released in 1997, Carmageddon was another video game that had extreme depictions of violence and causing harm to others. The game encouraged players to run over pedestrians, including animals and older people, for extra points. It blended dark humor and vehicular combat in the form of a video game. However, its message, emphasis on violence, and glorification of reckless driving led many to heavily criticize the game, leading some countries to ban it. Additionally, many believe that the game desensitized players to the kinds of consequences that arise from violence.

BMX XXX

BMX XXX is a video game that combines traditional elements of sports games with non-traditional elements of adult content. It was released in 2002 and was put under the microscope for its portrayal and objectification of women. It featured topless women and strippers and contained crass depictions of sexual content. The inclusion of sexual content in a video game genre that was generally marketed to younger audiences raised questions about its appropriateness. The game was banned from many major retail chains; it suffered low sales figures and even received many negative reviews.

Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude

Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude is a part of a gaming franchise that contains explicit content and innuendo. It was released in 2004 and required players to attempt to seduce female peers, with the intent to provide a satire over college life and sexual relations. The game included sexual themes, nudity, and crude humor with questionable depictions of relationships and women. It pushed the boundaries of humor and offensive content, deeming it inappropriate and even leading some retailers to stop stocking video games in their stores.

Mortal Kombat

The Mortal Kombat series has been known for its brutal and violent fatalities and graphic fighting scenes ever since it first debuted. The video game had explicit depictions of violence and continued to push boundaries of what was acceptable with new installments of the game. Mortal Kombat’s depiction of violence led to the establishment of the Entertainment Software Rating Board in the United States to regulate the content of video games. The game was also criticized for the negative impacts it could have on society and the behavior of young players.

16 Famous Comedians Whose Jokes Are Forbidden in Today’s World

Related: In the ever-evolving comedy landscape, societal norms and sensitivities play a significant role in shaping acceptable humor. Over the years, certain comedians who were once celebrated for their wit and sharp humor have found themselves in hot water for jokes now deemed offensive or inappropriate.
Here are 16 famous comedians whose jokes are forbidden in today’s world.