Wolfenstein 3D is one of those titles that was so influential in gaming history. Sadly, the subject matter kept it from being allowed in certain countries, Germany being one. I am not a proponent for censorship, I prefer to let people make their own choices, but in Germany, there are laws in place stating otherwise. Most importantly, laws against displaying the Nazi symbol, a key component of Wolfenstein 3D, a game that did not mince words on who your enemy was. Being banned in 1994, just two years after release, it was unbanned in 2019 but is only just now available for purchase.
A small icon kept the game off shelves
It is interesting how a symbol could hold a game back from store shelves, but it did here. If it really bothered id Software, they could have easily edited the game and made it available in Germany.
Companies have been doing this since the days of the early Nintendo ports. What are some of the wildest changes companies have made in games that you know of? For me, it is the religious stuff removed from Splatterhouse on the TurboGafx-16.
I figure they liked the controversy, the news articles, the attention – what company would not?
Things change with time
While it took over 20 years to change, the ban on Wolfenstein 3D was finally lifted. Unfortunately, for fans, it would be another three years or so before the game would be available for purchase. According to PC Gamer, the ban was lifted in 2019.
The odd decisions continued though.
While Wolfenstein 3D and it’s expansion, Spear of Destiny released in 1997, are now available for purchase, it comes with rules.
First, Wolfenstein 3D can be purchased by anyone 16 years or older.
Second, Spear of Destiny is rated 18+ only.
Interesting choice there but at the end of the day, they are finally available in Germany, uncensored.
Do you know of any banned games? Let me know in the comments below.