The upcoming major title Final Fantasy XVI will, according to what we have seen, look more like Game of Thrones itself than the sugary old original games from Square’s long-standing game series, and this is of course right on time, for everyone except Saudi Arabia. Apparently, it is profanity, but above all same-sex sex and eroticism, that has caused the Arabs to now choose to completely ban the title. Saudi Arabia has on two occasions demanded that Square change the game for their market, but when Square did not respond, the game was banned. The ESBR label gossips, among other things, about a couple of scenes that don’t go home over there in Saudi, and they are described like this:
“A character caressing and straddling a man in bed; references to prostitution—sexual moaning sounds in a brothel; dialogue such as, “I’d be happy to show you…provided I can afford it” and “thank you for your service. My chamber is just upstairs.” Some characters are depicted with partially exposed breasts and buttocks. The words “f**k” and “sh*t” are heard in the game.”
What do you think of this type of censorship?
