Germany has always been a touchy topic when it comes to gaming. Not counting the fact that the WOLFENSTEIN series is outright banned for obvious reasons, the infamous BPjS/BPjM, aka the Federal Examination Office for Youth-Endangering Publications/Media (a list of games that have legal restrictions in Germany on top of possible USK aka Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle ratings, therefore making them illegal to sell in the country) has made gaming tough in Germany for fans of QUAKE, DOOM, THE PUNISHER and more.
According to a report by Clubskill.com, it appears that Capcom’s upcoming zombie-fest DEAD RISING, has been given the thumbs down by the USK and refused a rating. Even more interesting is that some websites state that the game has been outright banned from the country. Capcom’s German branch begs to differ. “According to Capcom Germany, the game has not been banned in Germany. The game ships on September 8.”
While that may be true, don’t write this story just yet. In order for any game to be on store shelves and sold to a wide audience, German law requires that a USK rating must be provided. Games without a USK mark may still be bought and sold by request of adults, though the titles in question may not be advertised. The actual transaction between supplier and buyer must also be performed in person to ensure the questionable material does not fall into the hands of a minor; games and other media lacking a USK mark may not be delivered through the mail.
German fans shouldn’t panic just yet, as the game can still be toned down in order to achieve the equilavent of an M rating. This has been the case in the past, where the driving splatterfest CARMAGEDDON changed the human pedestrians to zombies, which ironically enough was deemed more acceptable. Like the MPAA, I do believe that a system should be in place to make sure risque games don’t end up in the hands of kids (and people who have smaller minds that do stupid stuff then blame it on the game), but having to change a game/movie in order to get the rating? Sorry, but censorship sucks in that respect. Don’t tell me what I can and can’t watch/play!