Why is Mortal Kombat banned in Germany?
Mortal Kombat is banned in Germany due to its graphic violence and content that does not comply with local laws, with the country having one of the strictest censorship policies towards video games in the world. The German government has been particularly stringent in regulating games that depict violence, blood, and gore, leading to the ban of several Mortal Kombat games, including Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, and Mortal Kombat 3.
Understanding the Ban
The ban on Mortal Kombat in Germany is largely due to the country’s history and cultural sensitivities, which have led to the development of strict laws and regulations governing the content of video games. The German rating system, known as the USK (Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle), is responsible for evaluating and rating games based on their content, and games that do not meet the USK’s standards are often banned or censored.
FAQs
1. What is the main reason for the ban on Mortal Kombat in Germany?
The main reason for the ban on Mortal Kombat in Germany is the game’s graphic violence and content that does not comply with local laws.
2. Which Mortal Kombat games are banned in Germany?
Several Mortal Kombat games are banned in Germany, including Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, and Mortal Kombat 3.
3. What is the USK, and what role does it play in regulating video games in Germany?
The USK (Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle) is the German rating system responsible for evaluating and rating games based on their content, and games that do not meet the USK’s standards are often banned or censored.
4. Is it illegal to play a banned game in Germany?
No, it is not illegal to play a banned game in Germany, but private possession and acquisition of the game are still allowed, while dissemination is not.
5. Can I still buy Mortal Kombat games in Germany?
While some Mortal Kombat games are banned in Germany, others may still be available for purchase, but they may be censored or modified to comply with German laws and regulations.
6. Why are some games censored in Germany?
Some games are censored in Germany due to their graphic content, including violence, blood, and gore, which do not comply with German laws and regulations.
7. Is Call of Duty banned in Germany?
Call of Duty: World at War was initially banned in Germany, but a censored version was later released, which toned down the violence and removed all Nazi symbols.
8. Is GTA banned in Germany?
While GTA is not completely banned in Germany, the international version of the game is prohibited for minors, and Rockstar Games has removed some elements from the German version to comply with local laws and regulations.
9. Is Fortnite banned in China?
Yes, Fortnite was banned in China due to the country’s ongoing crackdown on online video games that are considered a waste of time and a bad influence for young kids.
10. Is Doom banned in Germany?
Doom was initially banned in Germany, but the ban was later lifted after 17 years, with regulators stating that the game is now “mainly of historical interest”.
11. Is it illegal to swear in Germany?
Yes, swearing in public can be considered insulting and may lead to fines or imprisonment in Germany, according to § 185 StGB.
12. Is Wolfenstein still banned in Germany?
No, Wolfenstein is no longer banned in Germany, and it has been given a USK rating of 16.
13. What happens if you pirate a game in Germany?
Pirating a game in Germany is illegal and can lead to fines of several hundred to thousand euros, as well as law suits from game developers and publishers.
14. Is Noob Saibot banned?
Noob Saibot is considered one of the most broken characters in Mortal Kombat history, and he has been banned in tournaments due to his infinite combos and unblockable moves.
15. Which country banned Mortal Kombat 1?
Mortal Kombat 1 has been banned in Japan, South Korea, and mainland China due to the countries’ strict laws on violence and gore in media.