Dispatch Releases 'HR Violations Pack' Patch to Address Switch Censorship
The developer AdHoc has released a new "HR Violations Pack" patch for its game Dispatch on Nintendo Switch consoles, aiming to address previous content censorship. This update, available for players in the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, introduces an option to view "breasts, butts, and birds (obscene gestures)" within the game. Additionally, the patch provides alternative censorship methods like a mosaic filter or "strategically placed jorts" to replace the original intrusive black bars. AdHoc explained that the initial heavy-handed censorship on the Switch was due to time constraints, which led them to use a single build compliant with Nintendo's strictest regional rating. The studio acknowledged player complaints and refund requests following the game's release and has apologized for not informing Switch owners about the censored experience upfront. While the patch removes some restrictions, Nintendo's "hard requirements" still prevent the display of outright genitalia or certain erotic audio effects.
Developer AdHoc has rolled out a new "HR Violations Pack" patch for Dispatch players on Nintendo Switch, designed to mitigate some of the game's original censorship. The update is available in the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, introducing an option to display previously censored content, including "breasts, butts, and birds (obscene gestures)."
Alongside the partial uncensoring, AdHoc has implemented alternative methods for content restriction. Players can now opt for a mosaic filter or choose to cover characters with "strategically placed jorts," moving away from the intrusive black bars used in the game's initial Switch release. However, certain "hard requirements" from Nintendo remain in place, meaning direct depictions of genitalia and some erotic audio effects will still not be present.
AdHoc attributed the initial severe censorship on the Switch to tight development timelines and resource limitations. The studio explained that it opted to use a single Switch build that met Nintendo's most stringent regional rating requirements, resulting in a more censored version than players expected. This decision led to numerous complaints and requests for refunds from players who preordered or wishlisted the game based on less censored versions available on PC and PS5.
The developer expressed regret for not communicating the censored experience to Switch owners before launch. AdHoc stated that the positive reception and success of Dispatch provided the opportunity to invest in creating the rectified Switch version. The new censorship options are also slated for release on other platforms and the upcoming Xbox version later this summer.
According to GameSpot, Dispatch was a critically acclaimed game last year, despite its controversy surrounding the Switch censorship.
