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Is Wolfenstein Banned in Germany? Untangling the Censorship Saga

The short answer is: no, Wolfenstein is not currently banned in Germany, but it’s a complicated history filled with censorship, legal battles, and shifts in cultural attitudes. The popular franchise, known for its action-packed gameplay featuring a battle against Nazi forces, has had a tumultuous relationship with German law due to its use of Nazi imagery and themes. This article delves into the intricacies of this relationship, exploring the past bans, censorship measures, and current state of Wolfenstein in Germany.

A History of Bans and Censorship

The Initial Ban: Wolfenstein 3D

The original Wolfenstein 3D, released in 1992, is recognized as the primary reason behind Germany’s ban on video games depicting symbols associated with extremist groups like the Nazis. Under Strafgesetzbuch section 86a, the German criminal code prohibits the public display of such symbols. This law, aimed at preventing the propagation of extremist ideologies, led to a complete ban on the sale and distribution of Wolfenstein 3D in Germany in 1996.

The Censorship Era

As the franchise evolved, subsequent titles like Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014), Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (2015) and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017) also faced scrutiny. These games, while carrying the same themes, were subjected to extensive censorship to comply with German law. This censorship usually involved the removal or alteration of Nazi symbols such as swastikas, the replacement of historical figures, and, in some cases, even changing character names. For example, Adolf Hitler’s likeness was often removed, and his name substituted.

Lifting the Ban and a New Dawn

The tide began to turn with the unbanning of Wolfenstein 3D. For many years it was impossible to purchase the game legally in Germany, but the game finally received an USK 16 rating (the German rating board) and was officially released in the country after a long period of legal restriction. This marked a significant change in how Germany treats games with historical themes, provided that the presentation is deemed appropriate.

The Current Status

Currently, Wolfenstein games are not banned in Germany. However, many of the newer titles still undergo some level of censorship to adhere to German laws regarding the depiction of extremist symbols. This does not mean that all Nazi references are gone entirely. The games still depict a dystopian alternate history with a fascist regime, just often with altered visuals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why was Wolfenstein 3D banned in Germany originally?

Wolfenstein 3D was banned due to its depiction of Nazi symbols and imagery, which violated Strafgesetzbuch section 86a. This law prohibits the distribution of materials that promote unconstitutional organizations.

2. What kind of censorship did Wolfenstein games undergo in Germany?

Censorship measures included the removal of swastikas, alterations of historical figures (like Hitler), and sometimes even name changes. The intention was to remove any symbols deemed illegal or suggestive of Nazi ideology.

3. Has Wolfenstein: The New Order been banned in Germany?

No, Wolfenstein: The New Order was not completely banned, but it was censored for its German release. The game underwent modifications to remove Nazi imagery.

4. Is Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus also censored in Germany?

Yes, like previous titles, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus was censored in Germany to remove illegal symbols and content before it was released.

5. Did Germany also censor other games besides Wolfenstein?

Yes, Germany has censored many video games that contain symbols associated with banned extremist groups or promote violence considered inappropriate for certain age groups. This includes games like GoldenEye 007, Bloodrayne, and Doom.

6. Is Doom still banned in Germany?

No, Doom is no longer banned in Germany. After being banned for 17 years, regulatory objections were dropped as the game was deemed “mainly of historical interest.”

7. Why are German laws so strict on video games?

Germany’s strict laws on video games are the result of historical sensitivities surrounding its past. They also aim to protect young people from the potential negative impacts of violent and extremist content.

8. Why is Wolfenstein rated 18 in many countries?

Wolfenstein is typically rated 18 due to its graphic violence, including depictions of dismemberment, mutilation, and gore. It also sometimes features strong language and sexual content.

9. Is Wolfenstein OK for children to play?

No, Wolfenstein games are generally not considered suitable for children. They contain excessive violence, graphic gore, and mature themes, making them inappropriate for younger audiences.

10. Why was Wolfenstein removed from Steam in Germany?

Initially, after the release of the original German version of Wolfenstein, there were some incidents where Nazi symbols had slipped through. This led to the removal of the game from German markets, which also resulted in its removal from Steam globally for a time.

11. Is Wolfenstein banned in Israel?

Wolfenstein 2 was not sold in Israel, but this is not due to a legal ban like in Germany. Instead, the distribution issue may be related to region specific publisher issues.

12. Is there violence in Wolfenstein games?

Yes, violence is a core component of Wolfenstein games. They are first-person shooters that feature extensive combat, with frequent depictions of gore, blood, and dismemberment of human and animal enemies.

13. Is the censorship of Wolfenstein in Germany still in place?

While there have been changes, some censorship in Wolfenstein games in Germany is still in place to prevent the depiction of symbols that are illegal under German law.

14. Can a 13 or 14-year-old play Wolfenstein in Germany?

Given the violence and mature themes, Wolfenstein games are generally not recommended for 13 or 14-year-olds in Germany (or anywhere). The USK rating usually sets an age rating of 16+ or 18+.

15. What does the unbanning of Wolfenstein 3D signify?

The unbanning of Wolfenstein 3D is seen as a sign of changing attitudes towards historical context in video games. It indicates that Germany is more willing to allow depictions of controversial themes provided that they are not intended to promote extremist ideologies.

Conclusion

The journey of Wolfenstein in Germany is a complex one, filled with legal restrictions, censorship adaptations, and cultural shifts. While the franchise was once completely banned, its current state reflects a changing perspective. Though some censorship remains, the availability of most Wolfenstein titles demonstrates an understanding that the games can be enjoyed without endorsing harmful ideologies.

Is Wolfenstein banned in Germany?