Resident Evil Creator Slams Video Game Censorship

Shinji Mikami, the creator of the Resident Evil franchise, has joined the growing chorus of developers criticizing censorship within the video game industry. In recent interviews, Mikami expressed his frustration with the strict rating systems and censorship practices that often hinder creative expression and limit the content available to players.

In an interview, he stated, “I feel that the scope of what is allowed in Japan is narrower than what is allowed overseas. Compared to the freedom allowed in other countries, Japan’s is narrow. In an age when the Internet is so widespread, I have the feeling of ‘Why are you saying this now?’”) He went on to say, “I think it is a strange situation when there are customers who want to enjoy a game with a unique aspect, and those who do not play games try to prevent people from enjoying the game by restricting their enjoyment of the work through regulations.”

Mikami’s comments echo those of other prominent game developers who have spoken out against censorship. Suda, the creator of the “Shadows of the Damned” series, has also criticized the Japanese rating system (CERO) for its overly restrictive guidelines and inconsistent enforcement. He added in the interview, “If regulations are imposed, we have no choice but to respond to them as part of our job, but I always wonder what people who play games would think.”

The Dangers of Excessive Censorship in Video Games

The drive to appeal to a broader audience and avoid controversy has become a pervasive force in the video game industry. This often leads to the censorship of content that is deemed offensive or inappropriate. While well-intentioned, this approach can have significant negative consequences for both developers and players. When developers are forced to censor their content, they are often limited in their ability to express themselves creatively. This can lead to a homogenization of games, where all titles feel similar and lack the unique qualities that make them stand out.

For example, if developers are afraid to include mature themes or violence in their games, they may miss out on opportunities to tell compelling and thought-provoking stories. By catering to the most sensitive viewers, developers may inadvertently alienate their core audience. Many gamers enjoy challenging and thought-provoking content, and they may feel that censorship is an insult to their intelligence. When games are overly sanitized, they can become boring and unengaging, leading to a decline in sales and player satisfaction.

Censorship can also limit players’ experiences. If developers are hesitant to include mature content, they may be unable to explore complex and nuanced themes that are relevant to adult players. The censorship of video games can have a significant negative impact on the industry. By stifling creativity, alienating core audiences, and limiting the range of experiences available to players, excessive censorship can harm the overall health and vitality of the video game industry.

CERO: A Barrier to Uncensored Gaming in Japan

The Censorship Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO) is the Japanese rating system for video games. Known for its strict standards, CERO often imposes significant restrictions on the content that can be included in games released in Japan. This can be particularly frustrating for players who want to experience games in their original form and for developers who are forced to make compromises to meet CERO’s requirements.

CERO’s standards are often more stringent than those of other rating systems, such as the ESRB in the United States. This can lead to the censorship of content that would be considered acceptable in other regions. For example, CERO may require the removal of certain types of violence, sexual content, or offensive language from games that are intended for release in Japan. In some cases, CERO may even ban games outright. This can be particularly frustrating for players who have been eagerly anticipating the release of a game only to find that it is not available in Japan due to censorship concerns.

The strict standards of CERO can have a significant impact on players in Japan. Many gamers may feel that they are being denied access to content that is readily available in other regions. This can lead to frustration and a sense of exclusion. CERO’s strict standards can also pose challenges for developers. In order to release their games in Japan, developers may be forced to make significant changes to their content. This can be time-consuming and expensive, and it can also compromise the artistic integrity of their work.

Conclusion

The CERO rating system is a significant barrier to uncensored gaming in Japan. Its strict standards can lead to the censorship of content, the banning of games, and frustration for both players and developers. As the video game industry continues to evolve, it is important to find ways to address the challenges posed by censorship and ensure that players have access to a diverse range of gaming experiences. As the video game industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that developers and publishers have the freedom to create games without undue censorship. By allowing creators to express themselves freely, we can foster a more diverse and innovative gaming landscape that offers something for everyone.