At the recent Tokyo Game Show 2024, a revealing interview brought some candid thoughts from Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii about the changes made in the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, particularly regarding censorship.
In a conversation with Japanese outlet Denfamico Gamer, Horii and former Shonen Jump editor-in-chief Kazuhiko Torishima shared their discontent over various alterations, including those made to character costumes. Horii expressed his frustration by pointing out, “There are so many restrictions for exposed skin.” The interviewer, a woman, remarked that fiction allows for more freedom, suggesting that immersing in the story should be enough. Both Horii and the interviewer seemed puzzled as to why the original costumes became an issue.
The discussion highlighted that higher exposure levels could push the age rating up, limiting the game’s reach to an all-ages audience. A male interviewer chimed in, noting that compliance with regulations can vary by country. Trying to meet the strictest standards when aiming for a global market can be challenging. This sentiment was echoed by a female interviewer who noted that such concerns were never an issue in the past.
Torishima voiced his opinion on compliance, likening it to an omnipotent force that can be detrimental. “It’s fine as long as they don’t do what you’re not allowed to do,” he stated, drawing attention to the influence of religious and cultural attitudes in Western countries that shape their outlook on sex education and compliance, which he finds narrow-minded.
He further elaborated on the complexities of selling manga internationally, particularly in the West, where content has to be meticulously categorized by age groups. Specifically, Shonen Jump faced restrictions, only being sold to those 13 and older due to legal and insurance liabilities.
Torishima’s closing thoughts on the matter reflected his frustration: “Doing business with a ridiculous country like this is such a hassle. Coming from this, Japan gets negatively influenced as well.”
The interview also touched on the controversial decision to remove gendered language from the Dragon Quest III remake. Traditionally, players could select either a male or female protagonist, but this option has been replaced with terms like “Appearance A” and “Appearance B.” Horii questioned, “I truly wonder who is even complaining about this?” He reflected on how the original game allowed distinct gender choices for the protagonist, a feature now replaced with non-gendered labels, while the visually distinct body types remain.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is set to launch on November 14th and will be available on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5. The conversation at Tokyo Game Show revealed a tug-of-war between creative freedom and compliance regulations, painting a broader picture of the challenges faced by game developers in a global market.
