AdHoc Studio and Nintendo Collaborate to Address Dispatch Censorship on Nintendo Switch

AdHoc Studio, the developer behind the superhero workplace comedy game Dispatch, has issued a comprehensive update following community concern over content censorship in the Nintendo Switch release.

After Nintendo’s official response, AdHoc Studio took the opportunity to clarify the circumstances leading to changes made for the Switch version and outline collaborative efforts with Nintendo for a potential resolution. Dispatch initially launched on other gaming platforms with its full uncensored content.

However, when bringing the title to Nintendo Switch, AdHoc Studio was required to modify the game to align with Nintendo’s established content and platform guidelines.

These policies are mandatory for any title released on the Nintendo eShop and are enforced consistently across all titles. A representative from AdHoc Studio explained that the development team’s recent silence was due to ongoing discussions with Nintendo to ensure both companies acted as responsible partners.

Referencing Nintendo’s public communication, they emphasized: “Nintendo requires all games on its platforms to receive ratings from independent organizations and to meet our established content and platform guidelines.

Nintendo does not alter partner content, nor discuss specific determinations.” The statement underscores that Dispatch did not initially meet these content guidelines, prompting adjustments so that the game could be released on Nintendo hardware.

AdHoc Studio acknowledged they had anticipated similarity with titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, which contain mature content and are available on Switch.

However, Dispatch was ultimately subject to more stringent review, resulting in the necessary censorship. Transparency with the community became a focal point of the developer’s remarks.

The studio originally intended to clearly communicate content differences on the Nintendo eShop, but admitted an error in the placement of this disclaimer, which was not immediately visible to prospective buyers.

AdHoc Studio has since moved the disclaimer to a more prominent location on the Americas store pages shortly after launch, and regional updates are underway or pending review for other markets.

Additionally, a disclaimer is now visible before purchase, reinforcing a commitment to consumer clarity. Looking ahead, AdHoc Studio confirmed, “We are actively working with Nintendo to find a way forward,” and expressed hope that a future update will restore some of the censored material in the Nintendo Switch version of Dispatch.

While the studio stopped short of guaranteeing specific outcomes or timelines, they assured fans that progress involves a process measured in weeks rather than days due to the time required for development and Nintendo’s submission protocol. For fans eager to experience Dispatch on Switch in its original form, AdHoc Studio apologized, acknowledging player disappointment and outlining lessons learned from the experience.

The studio pledged to share additional updates as they become available.

Dispatch is currently available on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch, with content updates anticipated pending ongoing collaboration between AdHoc Studio and Nintendo.