10 Video Games Surprisingly Banned Around the World

Video games have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, captivating millions with their immersive experiences and engaging narratives. However, not all games are welcomed with open arms. Throughout the years, a number of titles have faced serious scrutiny and outright bans in various countries for reasons that might surprise you. While some games have been banned due to excessive violence, explicit content, or drug use, others faced restrictions for much less obvious reasons. Here’s a look at ten video games that have been surprisingly banned around the globe.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The Grand Theft Auto series is notorious for its mature content, but it was actually San Andreas that gained notoriety for its “Hot Coffee” mod. This mod revealed a hidden sexual mini-game that prompted outrage and led to the game’s ban in countries like Australia and New Zealand. The controversy not only impacted sales but also resulted in increased scrutiny on the gaming industry as a whole.

2. Pokémon Red and Green

While Pokémon is beloved worldwide, its original iterations faced a ban in Saudi Arabia. Authorities claimed that the games contained elements promoting occultism and were contrary to Islamic beliefs. The concern stemmed primarily from the idea that players could engage in battles and capture creatures — a concept perceived as taking away from the natural order established by God.

3. MapleStory

The popular MMORPG MapleStory found itself banned in South Korea due to its depiction of violence and potential for encouraging addictive behaviors. Given South Korea’s ongoing battle with gaming addiction, the government aimed to reduce access to games that could exacerbate the problem, even if it meant sacrificing a beloved title.

4. Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2, known for its gory zombie action, was banned in Australia for its excessive violence and graphic content. The game was viewed as too intense for Australian audiences, leading to a re-release with altered content. Despite its popularity, the uncut version remained off-limits in the country.

5. Doom

You might think of Doom as a classic, but it faced a ban in Germany due to its intense violence and portrayal of bloodshed. The government worried that its religious symbolism, alongside scenes where players battle against demons, could lead to unintended associations with real-world violence. As a result, several iterations were censored or banned entirely.

6. Final Fantasy VII

The beloved Final Fantasy VII faced a surprising ban in Saudi Arabia for a single, albeit significant, reason: its portrayal of the character Sephiroth, who was depicted as having a feminine appearance. Authorities considered this unacceptable, leading to a ban that shocked fans of the series who regarded the game as a cornerstone of RPG history.

7. Super Columbine Massacre RPG!

This controversial indie title is based on the real-life Columbine High School shooting and takes a unique approach to its subject matter. Because of its sensitive themes and depiction of a tragedy that deeply affected many, the game was banned in several states and countries, including Germany, as a form of protecting collective sensibilities.

8. Manhunt 2

Manhunt 2 faced significant backlash due to its graphic violence and disturbing gameplay, leading to a ban in multiple countries, including the UK and Ireland. The game’s depiction of brutal killings and methods of execution led to classification as unacceptable material, despite a dedicated fanbase advocating for its artistic merits.

9. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

The tactical shooter faced bans in several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt. The reason? An incident in the game that allowed players to use characters resembling real-life military operatives led to government concerns over its potential to incite unrest or glorify violence.

10. Fifty Shades of Grey: The Game

While many anticipated a promotional tie-in video game for the popular book and film series, it actually received a ban in the Philippines. The game faced backlash for its explicit sexual content and themes of BDSM, which were particularly sensitive in a country with conservative views on sexuality.