The PC version of Agony will feature an optional patch to remove censorship, which was necessary so that it will not get an Adults Only rating from the ESRB.
Agony is a crowdfunded horror game with violence, torture, and nudity, promising "the most terrifying vision of hell in the history of gaming." The optional PC patch, however, will apparently unleash even more nightmares.
The Reason For 'Agony' Censorship
In the Kickstarter page of Agony, developer Madmind Studio claims that survival horror in the video game industry "has become a bit rusty thing," with the genre borrowing too much from action games.
"It's time to go back to the roots of horror and open our minds to something new," the developer wrote. Madmind Studio took the same approach at making a horror game as Capcom, when it brought the Resident Evil franchise back to its roots with Resident Evil 7.
Agony is certainly not for the faint of heart. The game is so horrific that Madmind Studio, in discussions with rating companies such as the ESRB, had to tone down some sections to get a Mature rating. In its original state, it would have gotten an Adults Only rating, which would have meant that the game would not be allowed to be sold on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
What Will The 'Agony' PC Patch Do?
"In order to be able to publish the game, we had to make some compromises," Madmind Studio said in an update on the Agony Kickstarter page. However, on that same post, the developer said that it was preparing a special, optional patch for the PC version that will remove all the censorship that was necessary to roll out a version of the game on consoles.
Just what exactly the PC patch will change, however, has not been revealed by Madmind Studio. According to the developer, this is to avoid possible spoilers. However, it noted that all the elements that have so far been seen in promotional materials for Agony, including gameplay videos, trailers, and screenshots, will not be censored.
Are You Ready For 'Agony'?
Agony was supposed to launch for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on March 30. However, the game's launch has been delayed while Madmind Studio deals with the title's age ratings with the ESRB and other agencies.
Agony is still expected to be released within the year though. Meanwhile, Madmind Studio said Kickstarter backers who ordered the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game will be able to exchange their copies for the PC version, if they want to have access to the patch that removes the censorship.
