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Jericho Won't Be Edited For Germany

Posted by Zonk on from the stand-up-to-the-man dept.

Despite the loss they'll be taking in German game sales, Codemasters has made the decision not to make substantial changes to their title Jericho after the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions were banned from commercial release in Germany. "'Following a review by the USK ratings board, which declined to give an official rating, Codemasters has decided not to change the artistic vision of the renowned author and film-maker Clive Barker though cuts and extensive changes,' said the company in a statement sent to GamesIndustry.biz." For a sense of what the fuss is about Rock, Paper, Shotgun has an analysis of the demo.

5 of 57 comments (clear)

  1. What am I not seeing? by radarjd · · Score: 3, Insightful

    From either of the linked articles, I have no idea what the objectionable content is. It sounds violent, but what FPS isn't? Can anyone provide more info?

    1. Re:What am I not seeing? by Khuffie · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Why do people complain about the realism of details of foliage or water refraction, when they have characters that move like Saturday morning cartoons? Because if I wanted to play a character that moves regularly, I'd go out and take a walk. There's a difference between realism and simulation. When games start to sacrifice all the things you mentioned, it would no longer be fun, and just be an exercise in frustration.

  2. Loss could be neglgible by Bieeanda · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So you've get to avoid the effort (and cost) of making up new textures, possibly changing the geometry in places, localizing in German, and just as possibly avoid having to alter whatever there is in the way of storyline. The casual German gamer gets shafted, but the rest probably do a bit of illicit footwork, heading out into other EU countries to get copies there. The publisher still makes some sales, avoids shelling out for otherwise unnecessary work, and German retailers get pissed off at the government for making them lose out on sales. Sounds like a financially responsible plan to me, on the part of the publisher and developer.

  3. Keep in mind this isn't regular banning by KDR_11k · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Refusing a rating is the USK-equivalent of an AO rating, it's probably the console manufacturer deciding they don't want that "rating" on their system which is why the PC version is unaffected.

    --
    Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
  4. Flawed Logic by paleo2002 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Game Publisher: This is a sophisticated game with mature content intended for an older audience. We're not marketing this game to children.

    Ratings Boards: Games are only played by children. This game has sophisticated, mature content that is inappropriate for children. We ban this game and swear vendetta against your families.

    Game Publisher: What if we make the "blood" green . . .?