GOG has announced earlier today that it be removing over 30 games for people with a German IP address. This will be happening sometime this week and is similar to Steam’s recent crackdown, which saw games from way back in the 90s, to the present day, suddenly become unavailable to purchase for German customers.
Unlike Steam, GOG has decided to warn people in advance. They have also ensured us that people who have already purchased these titles, will not be having them removed when it takes effect.
The list of games is as follows:
Aliens Versus Predator Classic 2000
Blake Stone Aliens Of Gold
Blood 2 The Chosen Expansion
One Unit Whole Blood
Bloodrayne
Bloodrayne 2
Cannon Fodder
Carmageddon 2 Carpocalypse Now
Carmageddon Max Pack
The Chaos Engine
Far Cry
Harvester
Kingpin Life Of Crime
Lucius
Medal Of Honor Allied Assault War Chest
Painkiller
Phantasmagoria 2
Postal 2 Complete
Postal Classic And Uncut
Red Faction
Red Faction 2
Redneck Rampage Collection
Rise Of The Triad Dark War
Rune Classic
Shadow Warrior Complete
Sin Gold
Star Wars Dark Forces
Total Overdose A Gunslinger’s Tale In Mexico
unreal_tournament_2004_ece
Unreal Tournament GOTY
Mortal Kombat 1, 2, and 3
Whilst some of these decisions may look pretty unusual, they come from a time when Germany was indescribably strict in regards to video game censorship. Like was the case with Steam’s recent actions, these titles have been placed on Germany’s List of Media Harmful to Young People (also known as The Index).
Games placed on List A are unable to be displayed in any form where children may see them (for example, advertising). They must be sold under counters and are also unable to be given a USK rating. List B games, on the other hand, are completely illegal to sell within Germany, no matter what precautions you take.
This news follows the German rating system refusing to give the upcoming Carmageddon: Max Damage a rating, which means it will now be investigated by the German government, who may then place the game on The Index as well.
Have any of you been personally affected by these censorship issues? What are your thoughts on the situation over in Germany? Let us know in the comments below!
