Dispatch Developer Releases Patch to Address Switch Censorship Controversy, But 'Some Hard Requirements From Nintendo' Persist

AdHoc Studio, the developer behind Dispatch, has released a new patch for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 that unlocks more nudity options, following a major outcry from players earlier this year when unexpected in-game censorship was discovered. The "HR Violations Pack" is now available in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, allowing players to see "breasts, butts and birds (AKA, obscene gestures)." For those who prefer not to see such content, AdHoc has also added alternative options to the default ugly black censorship boxes: a more tasteful pixelated effect and comedic cover-up items like jorts. These can be toggled in the game's settings. However, as AdHoc pointed out, "hard requirements from Nintendo" remain. Genitalia is still banned, and Invisigal's audio during her erotic dream sequence remains muted. Additionally, nothing changes in Japan, where full censorship persists, and players don't even get the pixelated or jort options. AdHoc also provided more details on "what the f*** happened" to spark the controversy, in an explanation shared with IGN ahead of the update. The studio wrote: "The short version: Approaching launch and running out of time and resources, we were surprised to learn that our game would require some level of censoring in all regions, not just the few we were already planning for. In a difficult spot, we decided to use a single Switch build that complied with Nintendo’s strictest regional rating. This led us to deliver a more censored version of Dispatch than Switch players were expecting. The censorship itself wasn't the only problem, though. Those of you who wishlisted, pre-ordered, or bought Dispatch on Switch did so based on what you'd seen in trailers, previews, and reviews from other platforms. The problem was we didn't make it clear enough, before you spent your money, that the version you were buying was materially different from that game. And for that we're truly sorry. But you stuck with us. And the good news is that the success you all brought Dispatch gave us the opportunity to make this right, so we invested development time into creating the Switch version you all should have gotten in the first place." Today's options will also roll out on PC and PS5 (and on Xbox when the game arrives there) for players who want to experiment, though the uncensored version remains the default experience.