Earlier this week, AdHoc Studios brought their highly regarded superhero simulation game, Dispatch, to the Nintendo Switch.
However, the game's release has sparked controversy among fans, who were disappointed to find that the Switch version enforces visual censor bars at all times and mutes audio during adult-oriented scenes.
Unlike previous releases on other platforms—where players could choose whether or not to enable these censorship features—Nintendo Switch users have no such option, resulting in widespread discontent within the game's community. The backlash was significant, as Dispatch is known for narrative elements and scenes targeted at mature audiences.
Fans argue that the enforced censorship substantially affects the intended experience of the game.
In response to the feedback, both Nintendo and developer AdHoc Studios issued public statements to clarify the rationale behind the changes made specifically for the Nintendo Switch release. Nintendo stated: "Nintendo requires all games on its platforms to receive ratings from independent organizations and to meet our established content and platform guidelines.
While we inform partners when their titles do not meet our guidelines, Nintendo does not edit partner content or discuss specifics about decisions surrounding content criteria." AdHoc Studios echoed Nintendo's position in their detailed response.
According to the studio, "As Nintendo noted, all games released on their platforms must comply with established content and platform guidelines.
When Dispatch did not initially meet these standards, we made the necessary content adjustments to facilitate the game's launch on Nintendo Switch." AdHoc Studios also addressed fan confusion over previous Switch releases with similar mature content, stating that while titles like Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk have been released uncensored, Dispatch was held to different criteria during the porting process.
The studio tried to add a clear disclaimer on the Nintendo eShop to inform customers about the differences in content.
However, the initial placement of the notification led to misunderstandings.
"We should have done a better job highlighting the disclaimer.
Although it was technically present from launch, it was placed in the 'Disclaimer' field instead of the 'About The Game' section, which made it less visible to buyers.
Recognizing this oversight, we quickly corrected this on the Americas store pages and added a more prominent disclaimer before purchase.
Updates for other regions are underway or currently under review." In the latest development, AdHoc Studios confirmed ongoing discussions with Nintendo to potentially revise some of the censored content, though warned that the process will take time due to the required development work and Nintendo's console submission procedure.
The studio stated, "We are working actively with Nintendo on possible changes.
While we can’t guarantee specific outcomes yet, our goal is to release an update that addresses at least some elements of the censored content.
Realistically, this process will take weeks." Dispatch remains available on the Nintendo eShop, with the development team committed to transparent communication and updates as negotiations with Nintendo continue.
For now, fans can expect clearer store page disclosures and the possibility of future adjustments to the game’s content as the situation evolves.
However, the game's release has sparked controversy among fans, who were disappointed to find that the Switch version enforces visual censor bars at all times and mutes audio during adult-oriented scenes.
Unlike previous releases on other platforms—where players could choose whether or not to enable these censorship features—Nintendo Switch users have no such option, resulting in widespread discontent within the game's community. The backlash was significant, as Dispatch is known for narrative elements and scenes targeted at mature audiences.
Fans argue that the enforced censorship substantially affects the intended experience of the game.
In response to the feedback, both Nintendo and developer AdHoc Studios issued public statements to clarify the rationale behind the changes made specifically for the Nintendo Switch release. Nintendo stated: "Nintendo requires all games on its platforms to receive ratings from independent organizations and to meet our established content and platform guidelines.
While we inform partners when their titles do not meet our guidelines, Nintendo does not edit partner content or discuss specifics about decisions surrounding content criteria." AdHoc Studios echoed Nintendo's position in their detailed response.
According to the studio, "As Nintendo noted, all games released on their platforms must comply with established content and platform guidelines.
When Dispatch did not initially meet these standards, we made the necessary content adjustments to facilitate the game's launch on Nintendo Switch." AdHoc Studios also addressed fan confusion over previous Switch releases with similar mature content, stating that while titles like Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk have been released uncensored, Dispatch was held to different criteria during the porting process.
The studio tried to add a clear disclaimer on the Nintendo eShop to inform customers about the differences in content.
However, the initial placement of the notification led to misunderstandings.
"We should have done a better job highlighting the disclaimer.
Although it was technically present from launch, it was placed in the 'Disclaimer' field instead of the 'About The Game' section, which made it less visible to buyers.
Recognizing this oversight, we quickly corrected this on the Americas store pages and added a more prominent disclaimer before purchase.
Updates for other regions are underway or currently under review." In the latest development, AdHoc Studios confirmed ongoing discussions with Nintendo to potentially revise some of the censored content, though warned that the process will take time due to the required development work and Nintendo's console submission procedure.
The studio stated, "We are working actively with Nintendo on possible changes.
While we can’t guarantee specific outcomes yet, our goal is to release an update that addresses at least some elements of the censored content.
Realistically, this process will take weeks." Dispatch remains available on the Nintendo eShop, with the development team committed to transparent communication and updates as negotiations with Nintendo continue.
For now, fans can expect clearer store page disclosures and the possibility of future adjustments to the game’s content as the situation evolves.
