AdHoc Studio has released a comprehensive statement addressing the content restrictions imposed on the Nintendo Switch version of their superhero workplace comedy game, "Dispatch." This follows Nintendo's own official response regarding the matter. The studio acknowledged that the game, in its original form, did not meet Nintendo's established content guidelines, necessitating adjustments for its release on the platform. Despite these initial challenges, AdHoc Studio has indicated they are actively engaged with Nintendo to find a resolution. They anticipate being able to roll out updates that will reintroduce at least some of the modified content, although a specific timeline has not yet been provided. The studio also openly admitted to an oversight in the initial placement of the content disclaimer on the eShop, which they have since corrected to enhance visibility for consumers.
This situation highlights the complexities developers face when navigating platform-specific content policies. AdHoc Studio's transparency and commitment to rectifying the issues demonstrate their dedication to their player base and their willingness to collaborate with platform holders. While the specifics of the planned updates are still under wraps, the proactive communication from the developer offers a glimmer of hope for fans who desire to experience the game as originally intended. The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication regarding content differences across various gaming platforms to manage player expectations effectively.
Developer's Explanation of Content Restrictions and Oversight
AdHoc Studio provided a detailed account of the events leading to the censorship of "Dispatch" on the Nintendo Switch, clarifying that their game did not meet Nintendo's content guidelines, necessitating modifications for release. The studio also admitted to an error in the placement of the content disclaimer on the eShop, which initially appeared in a less prominent section, leading to confusion among players. This misplacement, which the studio has taken full responsibility for, has since been corrected to ensure greater transparency for potential buyers. They emphasized that their intention was always to inform customers about the content differences between the Switch version and those on other platforms, where an uncensored version of the game is available.
The studio's statement acknowledged that they initially assumed "Dispatch" would be allowed to feature mature content similar to other titles available on the Switch, such as "The Witcher 3" and "Cyberpunk." However, during the porting process, it became evident that this was not the case. Consequently, they made the necessary adjustments to comply with Nintendo's guidelines. The subsequent oversight in the disclaimer's visibility, while unintentional, caused frustration among players. AdHoc Studio has acted swiftly to rectify this, updating storefront language and adding a pre-purchase disclaimer in affected regions, demonstrating their commitment to addressing player concerns and fostering a better understanding of the game's content status on the Nintendo platform.
Future Plans for Content Restoration and Player Engagement
Looking ahead, AdHoc Studio has expressed its commitment to working closely with Nintendo to address the censored content in "Dispatch." While unable to make concrete promises at this stage, the developer is confident that they will be able to release an update that restores at least some of the originally modified elements. They cautioned players that this process would take several weeks, factoring in development time and the console submission process, rather than just a few days. The studio's open communication indicates a proactive approach to resolving the content disparity, aiming to bring the Switch version closer to the experience offered on other platforms.
The studio also took the opportunity to apologize to fans who were anticipating an uncensored version of the game on Switch, acknowledging their right to be disappointed. They stressed that many lessons have been learned from this experience and thanked their community for continued support. This commitment to player satisfaction and continuous improvement suggests that AdHoc Studio is dedicated to delivering the best possible version of "Dispatch" to its audience, even when faced with platform-specific content restrictions. Players are encouraged to stay tuned for future updates as the studio progresses in its efforts to enhance the game's content on the Nintendo Switch platform.
