Street Fighter V was Censored to Keep Franchise T-Rated, a "Family Friendly Franchise"

Recently, we reported on Capcom’s Yoshinori Ono issuing a statement regarding the changes made to Street Fighter V’s R.Mika (her finisher specifically) and the following uproar it cause within the community.

Well it seems as though we’ve gotten another explanation from Capcom, this time the reasoning behind it seems more related to the games rating.

A few days ago, Daily Dot Esports conducted an interview with senior product manager Matt “Mattdeezie” Dahlgren, he explains the reason behind the change to R.Mika (and by extension Cammie) was to ensure the games Teen rating.

From the interview:

[…]we are a Teen rated franchise, and we want to make sure we keep that appeal to a very wide audience. We thought maybe in those instances things could’ve been pushed just a little bit too far so we had to tone it down slightly. We want to make sure that Street Fighter remains a family friendly franchise and it’s that delicate balance that we play ensuring that we remain a teen game.

Matt Dahlgren does state the game is still undergoing changes, meaning that it could very well revert to the original form the fans wanted.

Street Fighter V is set to launch on PS4 and PC on February 16th, 2016.

Capcom, Street Fighter V

Writer at Niche Gamer. Passionate for video game journalism, and more than glad to be a part of it. I also write DOTA 2 stuff.

242 comments

Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 9:41 am

Oh, fuck no… Because Cammy’s butt couldn’t be seen in SF4 either. And all those costumes.

But yeah, that T rating would have changed because of a buttslap, Capcom is right! /s

At least they understand that the fans don’t want this shit. Family friendly franchise my ass. ESRB ratings matter only for 2% of sales.
SuaveVillain™
December 12, 2015 at 9:42 am

Change it Back then <__<
Jack
December 12, 2015 at 9:42 am

>Family Friendly
>people beating the shit out of eachother
>friendly
TsukuyomiMagi99
December 12, 2015 at 9:46 am

You’ll have jiggling boobs but a butt slap is too much for you? GTFO outta here with that bullshit. I’ve seen way worse shit in teen rated games including naked loli’s so I don’t why a butt slap and a cunt shot is going “too far”. For fuck sakes Capcom you can’t even keep your bullshit straight. But yes if you want me back as a customer UNCENSOR THE FUCKING GAME CAPCOM.
Dgnfly
December 12, 2015 at 9:46 am

damage control for their first statement like KT did. but i feel the first statement is more valid considering they weren’t released as a corporate statement.
Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 9:47 am

That’s Murica for you. Butt slaps are the devil, violence is god’s will.
Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 9:48 am

Although I disagree that naked lolis is more than T rated. I agree with the rest. Kek.
Micky Kusanagi
December 12, 2015 at 9:48 am

LOL I was about to write the buttslap thing xD I love Street Fighter, but the abysmal level of bullshit Capcom can get to pisses me off.
BurgerUnit
December 12, 2015 at 9:48 am

C’mon Capcom, really? You didn’t seem to care about Poison’s ass whipping Ultra in SFIV.
Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 9:48 am

This is full damage control.

“GUYS GUYS, WE WERE DOING IT FOR YOUR AND OUR OWN GOOD.”
Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 9:49 am

That crotch camera on Cammy exists since SF4 LOL.
Carl619
December 12, 2015 at 9:50 am

They should review all the games that have been rated T. There are games with much more hot content that SFV like Neptunia.
EroBotan
December 12, 2015 at 9:50 am

is this just another PR bullshit? yesterday they said it’s because they’re don’t want to offend SJW

which result in complaints from gamers

so now they change reasoning to rating?
Eldhin Hellknight
December 12, 2015 at 9:50 am

There’s no way that the censored stuff give the game something above T
Azure
December 12, 2015 at 9:54 am

I miss Timesplitters it had Cyber Angel butts in that game…
Valwin Mediaz
December 12, 2015 at 9:55 am

Family Friendly means removing a fucking butt slap ?
Ninjagai
December 12, 2015 at 9:55 am

Oh, so there’s a new reason now. But whatever the reason, just know that they really, really want to censor it.
Steven T.
December 12, 2015 at 9:55 am

Ahem, allow me to call bullshit.
Louie Tejeda
December 12, 2015 at 9:56 am

Are these guys running for office or something, the amount of waffling going on here is like a Presidential race! At least get your story straight Capcom!
Keinart
December 12, 2015 at 9:56 am

Reminder that this is bullshit and just another lie to damage control
Juan Manuel M. Suárez
December 12, 2015 at 9:57 am

Family friendly? Street Fighter V confirmed for Wii U / NX in 2016 / 2017~.
Valwin Mediaz
December 12, 2015 at 9:59 am

Lets analyze this look at Mika outfit how is that or her double ass to face move family friendly but a butt slap it not ?
Antoinant
December 12, 2015 at 10:01 am

Add Ar NoSurge and Demon Gaze among it too
inquisitormcsagington
December 12, 2015 at 10:02 am

Bollocks-there’s no way that a mere ass slap get’s you an M. Smells like Capcom scrambling for another excuse after the last one went down like the Hindenburg.
SpecialK
December 12, 2015 at 10:07 am

Nothing says “family friendly” like a strong, powerful woman’s self-empowering “kiss my ass” gesture mocking an opponent, being censored. Is the modern family afraid of empowered strong women, Capcom?
tetrisdork
December 12, 2015 at 10:09 am

Akuma is not going to have any of this shit. He’ll be in Tekken 7. Also, Capcom’s waffling confirms that when I get this game, it will be used.
https://youtu.be/ozB1YQuv39I
Dewey Defeats Truman
December 12, 2015 at 10:12 am

If there’s one thing I learned from NISA it’s to never believe anyone saying that the rating is the reason for a change.

And besides I mean for fuck’s sake, Senran Kagura Burst is T rated. If an ass slap will raise you to an M then I have to seriously question what the hell is going on at the rating offices.
Neojames82
December 12, 2015 at 10:14 am

Please….quit spoon feeding us bullshit, Capcom. We are not that fucking dumb.
Arenegeth
December 12, 2015 at 10:19 am

Fucking bullshit.

R, Mika’s lustrous ass, is still in the game, Cammy’s crotch is still in the game.

Since when did a camera angle warranted a rating change? Hell, R. Mika is still slapping it, you just can’t see it.

Also, they haven’t submitted the game to the ESRB yet as far as I know, so double bullshit.

Oh and yeah, Street Fighter was always Teen friendly.

http://7b6513btyw04btdfe3mdq9i6.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tumblr_n776vszizs1qj5jqso1_500.gif

Note: I assume this gif is OK on a site frequently covering eroge games. If not let me know.
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 10:21 am

T rated:
https://i.imgur.com/hXs9I8w.png
SpecialK
December 12, 2015 at 10:22 am

Is there something broken in this article’s FB share? It doesn’t seem to be able to be shared on facebook, etc. Comes up blank.
Nin
December 12, 2015 at 10:22 am

These days, the ESRB is really lax, at least compared to the social climate we’re around.

Though, how likely is the possibility of neo-puritans taking over the ESRB? The thought of it sends shivers down my spine.
orbo
December 12, 2015 at 10:26 am

Where do i I begin pointing out in how many ways their excuse is full of it?

Besides, you think they really care about the games rating?
It’s street fighter.
Anyone even vaguely interested in fighting games are already slingshotting their money at capcom and anyone who isn’t still isn’t.

Their paying audience for the game was decided the moment they announced that the game will one day exist.
NuclearCherries
December 12, 2015 at 10:26 am

T rated my ass…
Is that why Akuma is nowhere to be seen? Can’t have him killing characters, after all.
Also, it just hit me. What in the hell are they going to do to Ibuki’s glorious thighs?
Arenegeth
December 12, 2015 at 10:27 am

Hatred’s AO rating was politically motivated, given that the game was barely any worse than Postal that got an M rating.

And the moral authoritarians championed against that game hard, so I don’t know how free the ESRB is of influence.
Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 10:29 am

There’s no way they can win with this.
BurgerUnit
December 12, 2015 at 10:33 am

http://www.rpgcodex.net/forums/smiles/shredder.png
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 10:39 am

If the ESRB were compromised, they could block any console game from being sold here by slapping it with an AO rating. That’s a scary thought.
Juanalf
December 12, 2015 at 10:45 am

I think I’ll keep a look out for King Of Fighters XIV instead,also if we are lucky we will get a new Soul Calibur next year.
dathip
December 12, 2015 at 10:46 am

Still talking about the censoring??? GET OVER IT!! I am still going to buy it XD
Guest
December 12, 2015 at 10:52 am

They already said it was to keep anyone from being offended, so what the fuck is it? No way in fucking hell the ESRB would give them an M for that. Go fuck yourselves Capcom.
Pilebunker
December 12, 2015 at 10:55 am

No one even cares about ratings these days unless it’s M or AO. When has Capcom ever cared about ratings? I sure didn’t see it when I was fighting a mutated naked woman doing thought provoking poses while fighting her in Resident Evil 6. Or how the SFV cover in Japan has a shirtless Ryu and Chun standing to the side where her dress is exposing all her curves. It’s a pictures screaming that it’s sexy.

If they have to damage control this much, then they should swallow their pride and change it back.
Guest
December 12, 2015 at 10:59 am

Go fuck yourself XD
Maciej Bącal
December 12, 2015 at 11:02 am

can we have more proof

i’m not convinced
Nagato
December 12, 2015 at 11:04 am

Choose one already, Capcom; don’t keep flipflopping around like this with your excuses.

Either way, be sure to expect lowered sales when first treating your fans like kids, and then treating them like utter morons when further disrepecting them by outright lying to their faces.
TheCynicalReaper
December 12, 2015 at 11:08 am

Oh, yall don’t know about nipples? Witch & The Hundred Knight has GIANT METALLIA bare breasts with nips and everything! Also giant naked and rope-bound female knight! Also allusions to a character literally being raped to death.

T for TEEN
TheCynicalReaper
December 12, 2015 at 11:11 am

We need another Phoenix Wright comic with gamers vs Capcom like we had with NISA back during Censored Girls fiasco
TheCynicalReaper
December 12, 2015 at 11:15 am

Also, obligatory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3R8tkvlAlk
pantspatrol
December 12, 2015 at 11:17 am

Akuma isnt nowhere to be seen, he jumped ship and is going to be in Tekken 7

https://youtu.be/ozB1YQuv39I
Alex Drake
December 12, 2015 at 11:18 am

Blind zombies like you are the reason they get away with this crap
deadeye
December 12, 2015 at 11:20 am

Honestly, the best thing to do as a developer if you want to make a change in your game is just say “we wanted to make a change”.

If they wanted to make it more “family friendly” they still should have just changed the attack animation to still make it look cool but not having a butt slap. Not make the camera look like it’s glitching out and you don’t even see the entire animation. That’s just lazy.

Also, this is assuming a butt slap warrant a M rating, which it definitely doesn’t.
BurgerUnit
December 12, 2015 at 11:23 am

…
Mr0303
December 12, 2015 at 11:23 am

Those recent comments from Ono and this guy are a good sign I think. Developers are starting to realize that there are players who are against censorship.

They just need to go one step further and evaluate that people have more purchasing power than the PC media and the SJW crybullies.

As for the statement itself – it is pure damage control.
dathip
December 12, 2015 at 11:24 am

LOL. Thanks! Still buying it! XD
dathip
December 12, 2015 at 11:25 am

Doesn’t affect me in the slightest. If you guys are getting mad, because some sexual content is not in the game, thats YOUR problem LOL.
aaa
December 12, 2015 at 11:26 am

“I wasn’t going to buy Street Fighter 5, but now that they removed R. Mika’s ass slap I will” – nobody
Mr0303
December 12, 2015 at 11:26 am

If anything Teens are the ones most interested in asses and crotch shots.
Lea Pastillaroja
December 12, 2015 at 11:26 am

Up you’re ass Ono, i’ll be spreading the modded pirated copy of this game as far and wide across the web as humanly possible. Fuck you and all the other faggots at Crapcom for boyng down to lick the mangled castrated former penis pussy of the SocJus sacntimonious puritan cultist
Antoinant
December 12, 2015 at 11:29 am

tfw Ion will never step on you
TsukuyomiMagi99
December 12, 2015 at 11:33 am

Need more fap materi…uh I mean evidence? LOL
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 11:35 am

Here’s the full version.

https://i.imgur.com/S85pI0D.png
chaoguy
December 12, 2015 at 11:43 am

Remember to share this in the #RespectTheBooty and #GamesUnfiltered hashtags.
Dancing bugs
December 12, 2015 at 11:52 am

I’m holding on buying the CE until they decide what they will do with this stupid shit of self-censoring and bullshiting left and right.
BurgerUnit
December 12, 2015 at 11:54 am

…
Eldhin Hellknight
December 12, 2015 at 11:55 am

Looks like i need to buy Ar NoSurge
Hey Arnold
December 12, 2015 at 11:57 am

Wow, I never realized how inconsistent NIS America was.
Hey Arnold
December 12, 2015 at 11:57 am

That’s such a bullshit excuse. There’s no way the things they censored would have warranted an M rating.
Hey Arnold
December 12, 2015 at 12:01 pm

So we know it’s a bullshit excuse. What’s changed since the last game? The rise of SJWs and their negative ideological push onto the industry.
Alistair
December 12, 2015 at 12:01 pm

Xmas is comming up in 2 weeks on Friday I’m going to buy wooden spoons for capcom & SJWs for their Xmas presents.

So their can stir shit up like their always do. ?
NuclearKangaroo
December 12, 2015 at 12:01 pm

are you seriously implying the ESRB is consistent in any way shape or form?

should i point you towards Hatred?
Mr Silvio
December 12, 2015 at 12:04 pm

I have more evidence to support your claim (also, bear in mind that the gestures of some WWE female wrestlers do actually intend to be sexy, while Mika’s butt slap doesn’t).
Alistair
December 12, 2015 at 12:13 pm

I approve of these Tittys with Nipples nice job sir/madam.

Only Ecchi films & western games you get tittys with visable nipples.

But never ever in Ecchi games funny enough Japanese Dev know when to tone the line.

It’s true Japanese don’t like violence so Cero Z = 18+ some of the DLC in Japanese games actually uncensored the Japanese version to restore violence.

Tittys are the best you know breast is best.

Also don’t worry about your photo as I posted most erotic films ever on here over at mavelous get YouTube banned Thread.
MusouTensei
December 12, 2015 at 12:13 pm

Yeah that butt slap definitely would warrant and M rating… don’t make me fucking laugh.
dunno
December 12, 2015 at 12:19 pm

This whole desire to be more family friend and appeal to a wider audience makes me want to pick up either the new Guilty Gear or King of Fighters instead.
TsukuyomiMagi99
December 12, 2015 at 12:33 pm

No of course not! The ESRB is the paragon of ratings boards!
Nin
December 12, 2015 at 12:44 pm

I don’t think they’ve ever censored a Nippon Ichi work
Alistair
December 12, 2015 at 12:51 pm

That not really true, criminal girls is Nippon Ichi work & Nippon is the parent company to NISA but NISA demand that parent to make changes (censored)

& criminal girls-2 just around the corner also a Nippon Ichi work & NISA saying if it gets AO it would put it on steam.
Rayxtr
December 12, 2015 at 12:57 pm

Good thoughts. If you are from Europe you are lucky. Its on sale now.
Fighunter
December 12, 2015 at 12:58 pm

Disgaea 2 Bad Ending
Rayxtr
December 12, 2015 at 12:59 pm

Nay best girl :3
Fenrir7
December 12, 2015 at 1:02 pm

Shove your PR bullshit up your ass, Capcom. How come Xseed can take the flak for a bit of fan service, but you guys can’t?
メタラーにゃあ～
December 12, 2015 at 1:13 pm

*Cammy
British_Otaku
December 12, 2015 at 1:20 pm

Yep. Senran Kagura even started in the west with a T rated game. M and T are blurry from time to time but M wasn’t likely at all for this game.
British_Otaku
December 12, 2015 at 1:32 pm

Never forget: https://40.media.tumblr.com/afe3f9bf54395924cc8724eaa1297449/tumblr_mr51g2a4rB1rqetdco1_1280.png
Wonderkarp
December 12, 2015 at 1:43 pm

my question is. did the ESRB say to do this….or did they preemptivly do this. Cause if the ESRB did it, we can shoot shit at them over it. But pretty sure its Capcom
Kiryu
December 12, 2015 at 2:01 pm

Go ahead,those are better fighting games anyway.
Eldhin Hellknight
December 12, 2015 at 2:02 pm

Saddly, i’m from México
Kiryu
December 12, 2015 at 2:04 pm

Don’t waste your time with him,he’s a lost case.
Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 2:11 pm

ESRB ratings matter only for 2% of sales anyway. So it doesn’t matter if they get T or M.
Carbon Based Killer Bee
December 12, 2015 at 2:30 pm

Keep up that damage control, Capcom.
blackice85
December 12, 2015 at 2:38 pm

What’s so family friendly about people beating the crap out of each other in the first place?

What does family friendly even mean in the first place? Who’s family? Mine?
British_Otaku
December 12, 2015 at 2:42 pm

Source? I know that kids (primary and secondary) get their hands onto Saints Row and GTA but I expected a bit more of an impact than 2%.
Tyrone Jackson
December 12, 2015 at 2:46 pm

Yeah I refuse to believe that would have made it “M for Mature”. Are we forgetting about Poison in SFIV? T rated game.
DariusQ
December 12, 2015 at 2:46 pm

Because SFV was in danger of getting anything but a T rating, right? Look Capcom, we get it. You caved to SJWs and censored the game. There’s no way to sugar coat that. The real fans will still buy the game but trying to come up with lame excuses is just pissing people off.
DariusQ
December 12, 2015 at 2:49 pm

I know, right? Cause it totally pushed Alpha3 (RMika’s first appearance) over the top into an M rating. Nothing but excuses.
Bananalint
December 12, 2015 at 2:54 pm

This is it people. We must be loud and bombard Capcom until they change Cammy and R. Mika back!
Richard Miller
December 12, 2015 at 2:55 pm

Well I’m not getting this game now as I hate censorship.
Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 3:01 pm

http://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ESA-Essential-Facts-2015.pdf Take everything with a grain of salt though.
Patrick
December 12, 2015 at 3:03 pm

Where did this come from?
Patrick
December 12, 2015 at 3:04 pm

Well Extreme 3 won’t be coming to America because of the SJWs. They better not ruin Tekken 7 for me.
Richard Miller
December 12, 2015 at 3:05 pm

They are ruining all of gaming.
Richard Miller
December 12, 2015 at 3:07 pm

I plan to support Guilty Gear Xrd on steam and to not support this game anymore.
Richard Miller
December 12, 2015 at 3:12 pm

They will learn once they see that their game gets pirated a lot and that everyone mod back in the but slap.
Jack
December 12, 2015 at 3:12 pm

hon hon Antoinant
Richard Miller
December 12, 2015 at 3:19 pm

You know what’s funny? It may come to the NX.
Burst Limit
December 12, 2015 at 3:26 pm

SFL
Arenegeth
December 12, 2015 at 3:29 pm

Is the infamous (at the time anyway) Chun Li shower scene from the original Street Fighter II anime.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114563/
Jack0
December 12, 2015 at 3:35 pm

It is very bad damage control, but he’s not lying. Unlike the above games SF5 is still very much in the beta faze and lots of changes are always made. Now will it change before launch? Probably not but he’s not lying.
Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 3:38 pm

He is lying, since what the game has now can’t be rated anything but T.

And even if it’s rated higher, the ESRB rating stands for 2% of sales.
Jack0
December 12, 2015 at 3:38 pm

Well they are a smaller company, if they were is big as capcom they would cave as well. Xseed games mainly go under the radar so not many people complain about those those games.
Jack0
December 12, 2015 at 3:40 pm

Um this game isn’t going to bomb, despite what people think the people who boycott over this aren’t that many as you think. If that were the case bravely default and fire emblem awakening wouldn’t have sold above expectations.
Jack0
December 12, 2015 at 3:44 pm

GG maybe, KOF as of late? Naw. If KOF were really better as more people would be playing it and not mainly korea and mexico
2501
December 12, 2015 at 3:59 pm

Yeah, R.Mika’s Ass was going to put the rating up.

Are you even listening to yourself, capcom? Absolute joke.
Richard Miller
December 12, 2015 at 4:01 pm

The people that are for censorship is always louder sadly.
plakia
December 12, 2015 at 4:06 pm

The ESRB and other game rating organizations make stupid and sometimes arbitrary decisions like that all the time. I think that is probably the honest reason they changed it, but it’s still fucking retarded. Most of their audience are grown men and, at least in the US, kids play all the M games they want.
plakia
December 12, 2015 at 4:10 pm

I have yet to hear anyone praise this. Maybe some SJW loser on twitter has, but I honestly think the conservative rating agencies are the ones spurring the change this case. Capcom are still the bad guys for changing it. M rating would have an insignificant effect on sales when your audience is mostly grown men.
plakia
December 12, 2015 at 4:11 pm

The ESRB and other rating agencies increase rating for stupid arbitrary shit all the time. I think capcom is being honest about this now, but they are still the bad guys for changing it.
NoNoth
December 12, 2015 at 4:12 pm

“violence is god’s will”

Nice, but not true at all. It is the liberal media and left wing nuts that push this censorship. Fun to blame the god squad isn’t it?

The PMRC was formed by Al Gores wife to save their children from the evils of music and censor it.
The ESRB was formed because two Democratic Senators (Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Herb Kohl of Wisconsin) started hearings on “video game violence and the corruption of society”. Nintendo also pushed for this in America to hurt their competition…Sega.

Even today it has not changed except they are hiding thier censorship behind womens rights and internet “safety”.

These aren’t right wing nut jobs like the press would lead you to believe. When they do show up (Jack Thompson) they are laughed out of the room and lose their jobs, but when it’s a liberal then laws have to be passed now.
Immahnoob
December 12, 2015 at 4:13 pm

That really flew above your head, didn’t it?
rudhvelyn
December 12, 2015 at 4:17 pm

Oh my/ What is this from?
Carl_Ed
December 12, 2015 at 4:26 pm

That’s basically the situation in Australia.
Jack0
December 12, 2015 at 4:26 pm

Well he’s not lying, the ESRB just aren’t consistent and are stupid MF. How did they ever even get in buisness for gaming? The ESRB reminds me of the comics code from the old days where a 3rd party just butted their way in.
Jack0
December 12, 2015 at 4:29 pm

You sure? I don’t think SF5 is timed released at all, I think its just exclusive. What capcom could do is give the NX the vs series like cvs3 or something.
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 4:39 pm

Ar nosurge
buddyluv324
December 12, 2015 at 4:50 pm

Given all of the crap SF5 has going ontop of this piss poor excuse, I’m almost incline to say that KOF14 is more tempting.
Tj
December 12, 2015 at 5:06 pm

They’re lying, though…
HarisO
December 12, 2015 at 5:28 pm

It’s time for Niche Gamer to do some proper journalism! Go to the ESRB, send them a mail, find out if this animation is truly reason enough to bump the rating up from T to M. Give us a juicy follow up, help fact check Capcom’s claims.
Dgnfly
December 12, 2015 at 5:33 pm

They do a whole lot better Job considering the other sites hardly report on any off this. atleast they take a gamer stance on this instead off being Feminist lapdogs.
Gillman
December 12, 2015 at 5:44 pm

I can’t think of a game that sold LESS because it was M rated.
IvanDX
December 12, 2015 at 5:45 pm

This is why Akuma moved to Tekken 7.
Thanatos2k
December 12, 2015 at 5:50 pm

More bullshit. Provacative poses doesn’t get you an M rating.
Thanatos2k
December 12, 2015 at 5:51 pm

Except that was legitimate reasoning there. Mugen Souls would not have made it through.
Badmojo7
December 12, 2015 at 5:53 pm

Bull Fucking Shit, there is no way in hell that what was cut would have knocked it above a T rated game. Even if it was, M would do NOTHING to lowering sales. What is ironic is that they are getting MORE controversy by censoring the game than if they had left it alone.
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 5:55 pm

Mugen Souls would have not gotten an AO rating. First of all, all of the girls are wearing bathing suits. Second, just look at the images posted above that show what is acceptable in *T* rated games. You can get away with full nudity in M rated games.
Thanatos2k
December 12, 2015 at 5:55 pm

Phoenix Wright was seriously rated M? Since when?

*checks*

Wait, JUST 5 got rated M? The fuck?
No_Good_Names_Ever
December 12, 2015 at 5:56 pm

Europeans don’t know about good ol decent Christianly family fun?!
Thanatos2k
December 12, 2015 at 5:58 pm

How many M rated games have full nudity?
No_Good_Names_Ever
December 12, 2015 at 6:00 pm

This is my kind of family fun!
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 6:06 pm

I’m not sure why that matters. My point is that you can show nudity in M games, yet you think a game that doesn’t even have nudity would get a rating above M.
Uncle Heffy
December 12, 2015 at 6:08 pm

I had no idea Phoenix Wright got an M rating. Holy shiot.
Kiryu
December 12, 2015 at 6:08 pm

More sales does never meant better,or else COD and Assassins Creed would be one of the best games.
Uncle Heffy
December 12, 2015 at 6:09 pm

I lost it at “violence is god’s will”. Can’t stop laughing :D
Thanatos2k
December 12, 2015 at 6:10 pm

I don’t believe you. Full nudity is not acceptable in an M rated game.
Uncle Heffy
December 12, 2015 at 6:10 pm

2hot4me
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 6:13 pm

GTA IV
https://i.imgur.com/jQPk0lG.jpg

Plus there are tons of games which show bare tits, which none of those censored Japanese games do.
Thanatos2k
December 12, 2015 at 6:31 pm

GTASA got labeled AO though. I’m going to suggest the Rockstar did some behind the scenes shady stuff in order to get the ESRB to approve this time.

Which yet again shows how inconsistent the ESRB can be.
Dgnfly
December 12, 2015 at 6:35 pm

i agree some off the best games are underrated. Deadly premonition has like horrible graphics and gameplay but the story really made the game stand out.
sanic
December 12, 2015 at 6:44 pm

I don’t give a shit about street fighter but bullshit answer like this still get under my skin.
EdgyDude
December 12, 2015 at 6:47 pm

Wait, is this in the localized or the original version?
Kiryu
December 12, 2015 at 6:48 pm

Indeed.I have for example seen Gamespot’s review of Yakuza 5 and they gave me a good chuckle,they said Yakuza 5 combat system is not as complex as Batman or Assassins Creed.Just so people know if they are not aware yet;sales and reviews mean jackshit about the quality of a product.
Lenku
December 12, 2015 at 6:51 pm

While I don’t agree with this whole thing, it isn’t complete “BS” – keep in mind they said they wanted to keep the game family friendly. While the games shown above may be rated T and be played by Teens and above (or even younger), not all of them would be considered “family friendly.” I’ve played all the games shown above – none of them I would play around family except maybe Toukiden Kiwami (which for some reason, we tend to be okay with so long as there aren’t nipples).
TsukuyomiMagi99
December 12, 2015 at 6:53 pm

I am surprised more people play Vanguard Princess. It’s got more ecchi than you know what to do with and it’s combat system is similar to the older Street Fighter games. Imagine an indie fighter selling better than a mainstream one. I’d love to see Capcom’s reaction to that! lol
Siveon
December 12, 2015 at 6:56 pm

San Andreas didn’t get an AO rating.

https://img.neoseeker.com/boxshots/R2FtZXMvUGxheXN0YXRpb25fMi9BY3Rpb24vQXV0b21vYmlsZQ==/grand_theft_auto_san_andreas_frontcover_large_SFpk0NS4CGGJOiJ.jpg

EDIT: Oh, well, originally. Just saw how it got changed for that mini-game thing. Carry on.
Kharataka
December 12, 2015 at 6:59 pm

and that’s exactly what Koei Tecmo wanted more controversy…
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 7:03 pm

The version with Hot Coffee got a tentative AO rating until they released a version without the code.
BurgerUnit
December 12, 2015 at 7:04 pm

LA Noire had full frontal nudity as well, but it was a corpse so, yeah..
Siveon
December 12, 2015 at 7:08 pm

Right, quick google search told me that.

Was that only for PC?
Kiryu
December 12, 2015 at 7:09 pm

Never heard about the game,had to google it now.Japanese games certainly seem to have a big popularity on steam.
Dgnfly
December 12, 2015 at 7:12 pm

so true, what i always feel is that western gamesite comapre yakuza with those kinda game while their budget is 10 times higher. i prefer those smaller japanese or western game over the microtransaction bullshit for the bigger titles.
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 7:12 pm

Just PS2 I think.
Nocturnic
December 12, 2015 at 7:21 pm

How is T-Rated family-friendly?

I do not see how Street Fighter is a family-friendly franchise.
scemar
December 12, 2015 at 7:22 pm

I’m ok with devs censoring for a rating.
But I’m not ok with devs lying about censoring a game for the rating.
Jack Ripper
December 12, 2015 at 7:23 pm

Ah fuck off Capcom.
Narmy
December 12, 2015 at 7:24 pm

Well GTA5 and The Witcher games (among other games) have intercourse, so I think there’s more to it than that. The biggest factor is probably the fact that the unused code was not disclosed to the ESRB at the time of rating.
Sylveria Shini
December 12, 2015 at 7:24 pm

Yep.. Family Friendly… I remember the Street Fighter anime and how family friendly that was. Nothing says “Family friendly” like bare, wet tits, and a woman’s clothing being shredded off during a home invasion assassination attempt.
scemar
December 12, 2015 at 7:26 pm

The industry was peaceful, it was an industry of joy and openess….until the SJW appeared.
Then everything change.
Welcome to the dark ages 2.0
Kiryu
December 12, 2015 at 7:27 pm

So do i.Can you believe Sony got shit on for not showing AAA games while they showed Ni No Kuni 2 and Yakuza Zero?If those two are not big announcements for the PS4 then i don’t know what it is.Two games that i didnt expect i may add.
Merc Ekitz
December 12, 2015 at 7:27 pm

I don’t believe it, they have provided no PROOF but instead have CENSORED- Capcom is disgraced. pitiful, pandering, Marxist tolerated pandering. #fuckfeminism
scemar
December 12, 2015 at 7:28 pm

Except Xseed is almost universally loved, praised, respected and adored by gamers all the time.
The little trivial bits of flak they’ve gotten are drowned in a sea of love they get back, whenever they defend their actions people love them even more.

Capcom is trying to be PC with their PR and they are failing hilariously at it.
Tyrone Jackson
December 12, 2015 at 7:31 pm

Is it even provocative to begin with? I mean, wrestlers – male and female – do things like smack their asses all the time, and it’s completely non-sexual.
Dgnfly
December 12, 2015 at 7:34 pm

i feel sony is kicking it’s japanese style games into the ground and they delivered some off the best. like the ps1/ps2 era they actually did a lot off japanese dev exclusives nowadays they stay away from them.

kinda makes me wanna quite console gaming and go pc again considering all anime styled games come pc nowadays.i’m kinda pissed that Sega won’t say anything for a europe release for Yakuza 0, and that they diden’t give yakuza 5 a physical release.
Problematic Prinny
December 12, 2015 at 7:37 pm

DEUS VULT
Merc Ekitz
December 12, 2015 at 7:38 pm

It is complete BS. and for caving in and trying to force their BS on gamers- they can live with their censored bullshit, penniless. theyre not getting my dollar. are they getting all of yours, people?
Merc Ekitz
December 12, 2015 at 7:39 pm

Double standard as all hell. please, gamers, don’t buy this game, don’t purchase it, your money matters more than capcoms censored garbage decisions.
Kiryu
December 12, 2015 at 7:53 pm

About Yakuza you have Sony third party productions to thank/complain,the same guys that made it possible we get Tales of Hearts R.They made it possible for both Yakuza games to come West,Sega still isnt doing jackshit minus mediocre Sonic games here.

It’s sad that we wont get Yakuza 0 in Europe but i’m still very happy since i will import the US version,better then digital only.
Advance
December 12, 2015 at 8:04 pm

Publishers will continue to censor games as long as people continue to buy censored games in numbers high enough to make them worth censoring.
BurgerUnit
December 12, 2015 at 8:06 pm

That’s a good point. I haven’t seen GTA5’s or the Witcher’s sex scenes,
so I assumed they did the fade to black transition. GTA:SA laid it all out there and was basically a low poly porno.
buddyluv324
December 12, 2015 at 8:09 pm

The problem with that probability is that ALOT of gamers have been talking about SF5 prior to this particular mess…..hell SF5 was and still is a hot topic even before the shitstorm that R. Mika and Laura made when they got revealed. Capcom wouldnt need to create controversy on a fighting game series that’s practically known worldwide and is huge among the FGC.
Max Dagger
December 12, 2015 at 8:26 pm

Holy crap! Capcom full of bullshit. There are PLENTY of games out there asides from the ones mention bellow with T rating, and containing more heavily sexualized content. The hell!?
djluke_1993
December 12, 2015 at 9:17 pm

The Witcher 3 had Dicks and Breasts everywhere lol.
Hey Arnold
December 12, 2015 at 10:03 pm

Jesus, you are dense. This is about censorship. If it was violence, we would still be here calling the bullshit out. Gamers are sick and tired of censorship and your attitude does nothing, but help justify why they will get away with it.
tccboss
December 12, 2015 at 10:47 pm

This is just an excuse, I’ve seen much worse in blazblue.
Fenrir7
December 12, 2015 at 10:55 pm

It’s not like Capcom really has anything to lose though. The majority of people who are whining about the sexualized characters were never going to buy this game in the first place.
Zanard Bell
December 12, 2015 at 11:01 pm

At least we got a clearer explanation instead of that bullshit excuse that says they’re trying to avoid people that will say”This is not acceptable” to their game.

EXCEPT YOU ARE MARKETING A BEAT-EM-UP AS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY GAME?

How does that make sense now?
NukeA6
December 12, 2015 at 11:14 pm

Excuses excuses. Capcom, just admit that you’re afraid of the whiny minority.
Random Dude
December 12, 2015 at 11:20 pm

The very first case for 5 starts with the court being bombed. There’s also matricide (rather spoilerific, so I won’t go further). Either of that warranted M rating…in the eyes of omniscient, protector of innocence, ESRB.
Random Dude
December 12, 2015 at 11:26 pm

Except ESRB has the consistency of battered dough; whine a bit and you can get AO rating.
TheCynicalReaper
December 13, 2015 at 1:21 am

Original and localized.
Yeah, don’t ask me either. No idea why they let this go but censored the others.
TheCynicalReaper
December 13, 2015 at 1:24 am

But no one gets brutally murdered in Life and Hometown so I guess that’s the reason.
Man though, that is hilarious to see in hindsight.
British_Otaku
December 13, 2015 at 1:30 am

It was also the only one to get a PEGI 16 and CERO C rating (at least one rating higher than a prior installment).

That fact made people think that it must be much more extreme than the others but it really isn’t.

ESRB weren’t alone in assigning a dodgy number somehow.
Richard Miller
December 13, 2015 at 2:54 am

You never know. Hell I’m not sure why SFV is only on PC and PS4.
Richard Miller
December 13, 2015 at 2:59 am

Last time I went against censorship I was called a pedophile. But for this case I see most people just don’t care and think the people that do are perverts. They don’t understand all censorship is bad.
scemar
December 13, 2015 at 3:08 am

And on the contrary I bet there will be at least 1 person that would have bought it after seein the Mika butt slap at a friend’s house or a stream and liking it.

I’m not saying it was a big selling point but it was a bonus that could have given someone out there a motivation to get on it.
Akutan Zero
December 13, 2015 at 4:42 am

I’m feeling a bit cheeky so I bring you news from a parallel universe.

Street Fighter V was changed into a Candy Crush style puzzle game stripped out of anything resembling humans. No violence or sexual stuff because that’s naughty.

“Blocks touching each other is too problematic. Don’t these Japanese devs know only balls touching is acceptable? Also why is there a lack of black blocks and no realistic female blocks? 1/10”
Immahnoob
December 13, 2015 at 6:51 am

That’s an exaggeration.
TsukuyomiMagi99
December 13, 2015 at 9:58 am

LOL I can imagine you saying that with the movie guy’s voice lol.
TsukuyomiMagi99
December 13, 2015 at 10:01 am

Ironically Japan used to be the wild west when it came to video games. Till CERO came along.
Daryl Corey
December 13, 2015 at 11:17 am

the bullshit is strong with Capcom. They should just listen ot the fans undo the censorship then maybe mock SJWs. As It stands I will buy SFV used and only use ingame currency for DLC characters Capcom will not see a single penny from me for this game so long as the censorship is in place
Kain Yusanagi
December 13, 2015 at 1:32 pm

And now plenty are going to shun it because of them doing this, too.
dathip
December 13, 2015 at 1:59 pm

Don’t care, doesn’t affect me one bit. GET OVER IT! lol
Joey Ryan's Junk
December 13, 2015 at 2:38 pm

I’m done with this site. You’re all a bunch of cry babies. Not just the ESRB but this game is being released in more countries than it ever has been before and I’m sure some changes had to be made.

But you’re all crying over a camera angle change. Grow the fuck up and stop playing video games.

I’m going back to siliconera.
Carl619
December 13, 2015 at 3:28 pm

All systems of rating have put games with more erotic content a teen rating or 12+ rating. So no, I cannot see why these changes were necessary apart from self-censorship due to the same group who have been giving troubles because a game isn’t how they like.

I know that having principles is hard when it’s against something as little as change a camera angle but this is just one more grain to a mountain for people who want to push an agenda of prograssiveness in videogames.

That you say that we must grow up and stop playing videogames means that you are just a little child, no?
Antoinant
December 13, 2015 at 3:28 pm

Pretty sure it’s going to be released in Europe, but both continents will get the PS4 version only (while I had to import the PS3 version).
OSad
December 13, 2015 at 3:47 pm

Crying over a camera angle change (that did not need to change and had no real reason to change but changed because of “family friendliness”).

Bro. It’s not about the change itself. It’s what caused it, and the idea that it could happen again. Think a little deeper into things.
Steven T.
December 13, 2015 at 5:42 pm

Enjoy the heavy-handed moderation.
C G Saturation
December 13, 2015 at 6:28 pm

I remember that scene being censored/cut in so many different ways for so many different versions.
C G Saturation
December 13, 2015 at 6:30 pm

Did you copy paste that from NeoGAF? I heard a bunch of them ran out to buy MGSV when someone modded clothes onto Quiet.
C G Saturation
December 13, 2015 at 6:31 pm

I hope people give Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code a chance when it finally gets ported to Steam next year.
C G Saturation
December 13, 2015 at 6:34 pm

“AAA game” to the average Western consumer is probably synonymous with “first person cinematic immersion murder simulator”.
C G Saturation
December 13, 2015 at 6:36 pm

The comments here are clearly a billion times more intelligent than the ones over at EventHubs, where so many either don’t care, are attacking others, or buy this BS hook, line and sinker. There is hope in the world after all!
Mike Campbell
December 13, 2015 at 7:29 pm

all this controversy over r mika ass, and you say sjw make a big deal over nothing
buddyluv324
December 13, 2015 at 8:57 pm

Here ya go. Dont let the door hit your ass on the way out.
buddyluv324
December 13, 2015 at 9:02 pm

It isnt so much about Capcom removing the angles. Its about the principles behind these changes. Its one thing to make changes on a game during its beta phases before its official release. Its a whole other story when a company like Capcom tries to take a false moral stand claiming to keep Street Fighter “family friendly.” Last i checked a game about fighting comically stereotypical characters from different parts of the world isnt exactly what I would call “family friendly.” Hell Guilty Gear Xrd got away with alot more than SF5 has and that game also has a ESRB T rating. So the whole statement they made just doesnt hold much water.
Joey Ryan's Junk
December 13, 2015 at 11:46 pm

Seriously you all need to grow the fuck up. It’s just a fucking camera angle. You forget this game is coming out int he middle east. Be happy they only changed camera angles and that Larua isn’t wearing a berka too. You’re all fucking morons.
Ryan Barrett
December 13, 2015 at 11:54 pm

Legendary. You rock, dude.
Ryan Barrett
December 13, 2015 at 11:59 pm

That reminds me of all the sexual overtones PW games have, and those women with their incredibly low-cut outfits. T rating on those, too. https://youtu.be/GlsKDZi5SSo http://www.spriters-resource.com/ds/phoenixwright1/sheet/33862/ http://www.spriters-resource.com/ds/phoenixwright1/sheet/33878/
Yabloko Molloco San
December 13, 2015 at 11:59 pm

I remember when punching people in sf2 would sometimes make them puke. It was a nice, cute, family friendly game.
Llama Adventure
December 14, 2015 at 1:42 am

A big burly man oiling up and rubbing himself all over his opponent before looking like he’s firing them out of his ass – T-Rated
A woman slapping her own ass – HIDE YO KIDS
Thanatos2k
December 14, 2015 at 4:29 am

So what? Murders (and kidnapping!) abound in the other games. ESRB is an inconsistent joke.
buddyluv324
December 14, 2015 at 4:55 am

You’re not really helping yourself by insulting people just to try make a point assuming if you had one to begin with. The fact that you yourself chose to click on this particular article to bitch, cry and start shit over an opinion just shows how thirsty and desperate you are. Do yourself a favor and leave. You’re just making yourself look worse.
epy
December 14, 2015 at 7:05 am

Suprised its not on siliconera or gematsu (with the comments turned off of course) though, maybe with a little dismissive snip by the poster. Seems like it would bring in da clicks.
Dgnfly
December 14, 2015 at 7:50 am

Sega twitter Feed had ppl asking for a european release. then they commented that there is nothing to announce for a release in europe for the game.
Dgnfly
December 14, 2015 at 7:54 am

i think those sites feel they need to be political correct in order to get more ppl to follow em. they kinda what gamergate was all about Bias game media afraid to cover the facts so they can’t offend anybody.
Carl619
December 14, 2015 at 8:00 am

Why we must always be happy because something does not go worse than it is, when that shouldn’t happen in the beginning? If that’s true, then Mika wouldn’t be in the game. why have a character like her if they want to release the game in middle east?
Feniks
December 14, 2015 at 8:00 am

Ha Ar nosurge is my GOTY.
Feniks
December 14, 2015 at 8:03 am

Why do devs even WANT a T rating? The average gamer is not a kid for fuck sake. This ain’t 1992.
Feniks
December 14, 2015 at 8:12 am

Never read the Old Testament. There is some nasty stuff in there, pedophilia rape incest murder slavery.

Would make for a good VN.
Joey Ryan's Junk
December 14, 2015 at 9:01 am

Doesn’t make a bit of difference, since you’re all losers in mommy’s basment anyway
Antoinant
December 14, 2015 at 11:27 am

Nice projection, you salty faggot.
Joey Ryan's Junk
December 14, 2015 at 11:32 am

Lets see you’re the man child who doesn’t know any insult other than Faggot. I’m a man with a 160 IQ with a user name that’s Pro wrestler’s Junk. I’m smarter than you and everyone else here. I understand why changes have to be made instead of OH NOES SJWs pressure. you dumb manchildren don’t understand that there may be cultrual reasons for these changes and that the game is being launched in more countries than ever before and that changes had to be made so it doesn’t push things too far. It’s already too Risque for some countries, especially in the middle east.

But people who have to say Faggot and just assume Projection becuase they read it in their 9th grade psychology book can’t understand there are cultures outside or The United States and Europe.

Stay dumb. I’ll be making more money than you for the rest of your life.
Antoinant
December 14, 2015 at 12:01 pm

The normalfag is getting salty
Nice copypasta btw
alterku
December 14, 2015 at 12:08 pm

Yep, keep digging your own grave Capcom. You’re been doing a fine job of it these past few years. Fighting games were the only untainted jewel left in your crown, but you had to shove that one way up your pretentious arse as well.
Ubrokemygrill?
December 14, 2015 at 12:08 pm

-I’m smarter than you and everyone else here.
Already disproven, you’ve made multiple typos.

-I understand why changes have to be made instead of OH NOES SJWs pressure.
There is no other reason they can’t just release a version with the buttslap still in.

-I’m a man with a 160 IQ
-there are cultures outside or The United States and Europe.
So let’s bring content from those cultures over to other cultures and fucking rip them apart. Good job, genius.

If you claim to have 160 IQ, you’d understand your hypocrisy in stating that there are cultures outside of the USA or Europe.

-Stay dumb. I’ll be making more money than you for the rest of your life.
I always love how retards deflect a lost argument with their income. Aren’t you going back to siliconera?
Bobbbbby5
December 14, 2015 at 1:12 pm

To anyone saying “but this game did this and has that and was rated T” it’s worth noting that ratings boards are highly, highly inconsistent.

It’s really not that uncommon for somebody like the ESRB to threaten an M rating if something is deemed a wee bit too bit violent or if a little too much thigh is showing even though there’s E cup cleavage going on.
Feniks
December 14, 2015 at 5:04 pm

Actually because of the Constitution the US state cannot easily censor games.

In America it is usually self-censorship from artists and stores like Walmart refusing to carry games.
Brandon Shorter
December 14, 2015 at 6:25 pm

True that it the puritanical left wing brigade trying to save the objectified .but to be fair right and left join forces on this issues .just the left is far more powerful at the moment in defining it
Nonscpo
December 14, 2015 at 11:32 pm

“Family Friendly Franchise”……Hajahajahaja!!!!!!
psychosoldier_dragonspirit
December 18, 2015 at 8:18 pm

lol… nisa not censored anything?

if they don’t allow the author’s work to shine through on its own merit. is that not still some form of censorship?

this scene, NISA added a (4th wall) joke that didn’t need to be there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umQrWAr3axQ

they changed a character’s name from Estiy Erhart to Estee Dee. srs??… Amelia Earhart was a real person so I know they could have simply changed it to Estee Earhart if they HAD to change the name.

Philomel Hartung.
Philomel/Philomela is a greek female name.
Hartung is a jewish name.
Is she not allowed to be named that? For what reason?

Gunnar Damm. why did they change that name?
Jean claude van dam? Anyone?

Rozeluxe Meitzen while a made up name is done as a made up “German” sounding name. just simply going Raze sounds cool let’s call him Raze?… also, he’s a calm cool collected and reserved character. why did they change him to be a hotheaded jerk?

in Atelier Iris, there’s something called geherun (“Ge He Ru N”) which when read sounds like the German word Gehirn for Brain. why did that get changed to “Growloon”????

Should we then change the stuff in Lord of the Rings? Let’s have Frodo be an asshole to everyone. Let’s not even call him Frodo. No one understands that name. Frederick Brown. yes. Let’s call him Frederick Brown and have him be an asshole to the rest of the party which includes his best friend Samuel Gregory who throws tantrums whenever something happens.
psychosoldier_dragonspirit
December 18, 2015 at 8:26 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkMwOVu4Lug

Yuri better have this taunt in KoF14
Alistair
December 19, 2015 at 8:02 pm

Wait a minute that what I said NISA did make changes to criminal girl I was responding about NISA didn’t censored & I said it not really true NISA demanded voices to be axed.

Demand more fog to cover the parts even though it’s not that naughty take the one with glasses here boobs are not cover by thick fog but her buttocks are but still she not showing any buttocks in the uncensored version too she still wearing pantys on, her top is higher half exposure of her breasts.
psychosoldier_dragonspirit
December 21, 2015 at 3:15 am

i might have clicked reply to the wrong person..

either way i still wanted this stuff out there so more ppl know
Richard Miller
January 15, 2016 at 3:56 pm

Only if it’s a reboot.