AdHoc Studio Collaborates with Nintendo to Address Dispatch Censorship on Switch
AdHoc Studio, the developer behind the superhero workplace comedy game Dispatch, has taken significant steps to address player concerns regarding censorship in the Nintendo Switch version of their game.
Following Nintendo's official statement earlier this week, AdHoc Studio released a thorough update outlining the circumstances that led to the changes and their ongoing efforts to resolve the issue with Nintendo. Dispatch launched in early June for several platforms, including the Nintendo Switch eShop.
However, fans quickly noticed that the Switch version featured censored content compared to the uncensored editions available on other platforms.
In response to criticism, the studio clarified that the changes were required to bring the game into compliance with Nintendo’s established content and platform guidelines.
The discrepancy became apparent during the porting process, despite mature-rated games like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 being available with similar uncensored content on the platform. In a recent, comprehensive statement, AdHoc Studio expressed their commitment to transparency: The development team explained that, as per Nintendo’s requirements, all games on the company’s platforms must pass ratings from independent organizations and adhere to Nintendo’s specific content standards.
Provided these guidelines, Dispatch’s original version did not initially qualify, prompting the developer to implement content changes for the Switch release. The studio also addressed the communication mishap regarding the disclaimer about these differences.
The notice outlining content changes was mistakenly placed in the ‘Disclaimer’ section of the Store page rather than the more prominent ‘About The Game’ area, which led to confusion among players.
AdHoc Studio acknowledged this oversight, describing it as entirely their responsibility, and took prompt action to correct the mistake by updating the store pages for the Americas within hours of launch to maximize visibility.
Similar updates are being processed across other international eShop regions as well. Notably, AdHoc Studio reassured fans, stating, "We are actively collaborating with Nintendo on a path forward to address at least some of the censored content." While the developer cautioned that no specific promises could be made at this time, they signaled confidence that a forthcoming update would be able to restore certain elements affected by the guidelines.
The timeline for these changes is expected to take several weeks, depending on development efforts and Nintendo’s console submission process. AdHoc Studio also extended their apologies to players who were anticipating the uncensored version of Dispatch on the Nintendo Switch, acknowledging the frustration this situation has caused and committing to improved communication in the future. Dispatch continues to be available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, with additional updates pending as AdHoc Studio and Nintendo work to balance adherence to platform requirements with the creative vision of the studio.
Gamers interested in the latest information are encouraged to follow both AdHoc Studio and official Nintendo channels for further announcements.
Following Nintendo's official statement earlier this week, AdHoc Studio released a thorough update outlining the circumstances that led to the changes and their ongoing efforts to resolve the issue with Nintendo. Dispatch launched in early June for several platforms, including the Nintendo Switch eShop.
However, fans quickly noticed that the Switch version featured censored content compared to the uncensored editions available on other platforms.
In response to criticism, the studio clarified that the changes were required to bring the game into compliance with Nintendo’s established content and platform guidelines.
The discrepancy became apparent during the porting process, despite mature-rated games like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 being available with similar uncensored content on the platform. In a recent, comprehensive statement, AdHoc Studio expressed their commitment to transparency: The development team explained that, as per Nintendo’s requirements, all games on the company’s platforms must pass ratings from independent organizations and adhere to Nintendo’s specific content standards.
Provided these guidelines, Dispatch’s original version did not initially qualify, prompting the developer to implement content changes for the Switch release. The studio also addressed the communication mishap regarding the disclaimer about these differences.
The notice outlining content changes was mistakenly placed in the ‘Disclaimer’ section of the Store page rather than the more prominent ‘About The Game’ area, which led to confusion among players.
AdHoc Studio acknowledged this oversight, describing it as entirely their responsibility, and took prompt action to correct the mistake by updating the store pages for the Americas within hours of launch to maximize visibility.
Similar updates are being processed across other international eShop regions as well. Notably, AdHoc Studio reassured fans, stating, "We are actively collaborating with Nintendo on a path forward to address at least some of the censored content." While the developer cautioned that no specific promises could be made at this time, they signaled confidence that a forthcoming update would be able to restore certain elements affected by the guidelines.
The timeline for these changes is expected to take several weeks, depending on development efforts and Nintendo’s console submission process. AdHoc Studio also extended their apologies to players who were anticipating the uncensored version of Dispatch on the Nintendo Switch, acknowledging the frustration this situation has caused and committing to improved communication in the future. Dispatch continues to be available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, with additional updates pending as AdHoc Studio and Nintendo work to balance adherence to platform requirements with the creative vision of the studio.
Gamers interested in the latest information are encouraged to follow both AdHoc Studio and official Nintendo channels for further announcements.
