Why Was Dragon Age: Inquisition Banned in India?
Dragon Age: Inquisition was effectively banned in India due to local obscenity laws that, at the time of its release in 2014, were interpreted to prohibit the sale of media depicting same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ characters. Electronic Arts (EA), the game’s publisher, made the decision to withdraw the game from sale to avoid violating these laws. This wasn’t an outright government ban, but rather a preemptive measure taken by EA to avoid potential legal repercussions. The core issue revolved around the game’s inclusion of Dorian, a prominent party member who is openly gay and romanceable by male player characters.
The Nuances of the “Ban”
It’s crucial to understand that Dragon Age: Inquisition wasn’t officially banned by the Indian government in the traditional sense. There wasn’t a specific decree issued prohibiting its import or distribution. Instead, EA made a business decision based on the perceived risk associated with selling a game that could be interpreted as violating existing obscenity laws. These laws, often vaguely worded, gave considerable leeway to authorities to determine what constituted “obscenity” and could potentially lead to fines, seizure of copies, or even legal action.
The specific laws weren’t targeted at just this game. They have often been used in a discriminatory way against the LGBTQ+ community. EA, faced with this legal ambiguity and the potential for controversy, chose to avoid the risk altogether.
The Role of Section 377 and Its Repeal
A significant factor influencing this situation was the existence of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a colonial-era law that criminalized “carnal intercourse against the order of nature.” While this law didn’t explicitly target video games, its existence created a climate where depictions of homosexuality were often viewed with suspicion and subject to censorship.
In a landmark 2018 ruling, the Supreme Court of India decriminalized consensual homosexual acts, effectively repealing Section 377. This was a monumental step for LGBTQ+ rights in India. However, the legal landscape surrounding obscenity laws remains complex, and concerns about censorship and societal attitudes persist.
Beyond Dragon Age: Other Games and Censorship in India
Dragon Age: Inquisition isn’t an isolated case. Several other games have faced similar challenges in India, albeit for different reasons.
Fallout 3 and the Fear of Offending Religious Sentiments
Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas never officially launched in India. Bethesda, the publisher, feared that the game’s depiction of cows (sacred animals in Hinduism) could cause offense and spark controversy.
Record of Ragnarok and the Depiction of Hindu Deities
The anime series “Record of Ragnarok” was banned in India due to its portrayal of the Hindu god Shiva in a manner deemed offensive.
These examples highlight the complexities and sensitivities surrounding content regulation in India, where religious, cultural, and moral considerations often play a significant role. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) can offer more insights on these intersections between games and culture.
The Current Situation: Is Dragon Age: Inquisition Still “Banned”?
The practical effect of EA’s decision remains: Dragon Age: Inquisition is still not officially available for purchase in India through digital storefronts like Origin. However, workarounds exist.
- Importing Physical Copies: Players can potentially import physical copies of the game from other countries.
- Gifting: Friends or family members living outside India can purchase the game as a gift and activate it on the player’s Origin account.
- CD Keys: CD keys purchased outside India can often be activated on Indian accounts.
It’s important to note that these methods come with potential risks, such as higher prices, import duties, and the possibility of region-locking issues.
The Future of Gaming and LGBTQ+ Representation in India
The repeal of Section 377 has paved the way for greater acceptance and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in Indian society. However, the fight for equality is far from over. The entertainment industry, including the gaming sector, has a crucial role to play in promoting inclusivity and challenging stereotypes.
While Dragon Age: Inquisition’s “ban” highlighted the challenges of navigating complex legal and cultural landscapes, the industry and country have made strides. Hopefully, future games with LGBTQ+ themes will be able to be purchased without issue in India and help further acceptance and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Dragon Age: Inquisition not available in India?
Dragon Age: Inquisition was not officially available for purchase in India due to concerns that its depiction of same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ characters would violate local obscenity laws.
2. Was there an official ban on Dragon Age: Inquisition in India?
No, there wasn’t a formal government ban. Electronic Arts made the decision to withdraw the game from sale to avoid potential legal issues.
3. What were the obscenity laws in India that led to Dragon Age: Inquisition’s withdrawal?
The laws in question, often vague and subject to interpretation, related to the depiction of “obscene” content, which could include same-sex relationships, in the context of Section 377, which at the time criminalized homosexual acts.
4. Is Dragon Age: Inquisition still unavailable in India?
Yes, the game is still not officially available for purchase through digital storefronts in India.
5. Can I play Dragon Age: Inquisition in India?
While not officially sold, there are workarounds. Players can import physical copies, receive the game as a gift from someone outside India, or activate CD keys purchased abroad.
6. What is Section 377 and how did it affect Dragon Age: Inquisition’s availability?
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalized “carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” indirectly influencing the interpretation of obscenity laws and contributing to the decision to withdraw Dragon Age: Inquisition. It has since been repealed.
7. Has the legal landscape in India regarding LGBTQ+ content changed since Dragon Age: Inquisition’s release?
Yes, the repeal of Section 377 in 2018 was a significant step towards greater acceptance and legal protection for LGBTQ+ individuals.
8. Was Fallout 3 also banned in India? If so, why?
Fallout 3 never made it to India, not due to LGBTQ+ content but due to the publisher Bethesda’s concern that the game’s depiction of cows might offend religious sensibilities.
9. Are there other games or media that have faced censorship in India?
Yes, examples include the anime series “Record of Ragnarok,” which was banned due to its portrayal of a Hindu deity.
10. How can I buy Dragon Age: Inquisition in India if it’s not officially available?
You can explore options such as importing physical copies, receiving the game as a gift from someone outside India, or activating CD keys purchased abroad.
11. Is Dragon Age: Inquisition appropriate for children?
The game is generally considered not appropriate for children due to its mature themes, violence, and romantic content.
12. Does Dragon Age: Inquisition contain nudity or explicit sexual content?
The game contains suggestive themes and romantic scenes, but it does not depict explicit nudity. Sex scenes fade to black.
13. What is Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and when will it be released?
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the fourth installment in the Dragon Age series, and it serves as a sequel to Dragon Age: Inquisition. It is expected to be released no earlier than April 2024.
14. Why do some players experience sound issues with Dragon Age: Inquisition?
Sound issues can occur if the game incorrectly detects a 5.1 surround sound setup. Changing the audio settings in your computer’s control panel to Stereo can often resolve this problem.
15. Are there other websites for learning more about gaming and culture?
Yes, the GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource. Check it out to find out more information.