In a move that has left many gamers confused and disappointed, Final Fantasy 16 has become the latest game banned from launching in Saudi Arabia.
GCAM Announces Ban on Video Game for Refusal to Make Necessary Adjustments
The Saudi Arabian General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) announced the ban yesterday on their Twitter page, citing that the game wouldn't be allowed to be released in the country due to the company's refusal to make necessary adjustments or modifications to the game.
According to the story by Games Radar, the level of changes requested by Saudi Arabia has not been made public. However, it could be that the game contains same-sex relationships, like what was seen in Pixar's Lightyear last year, which was banned due to a same-sex kiss.
The Uncertain Future of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in Saudi Arabia
Similarly, Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was not allowed to launch in the country, likely because it featured similar materials. Given the current climate of game regulation and censorship in Saudi Arabia, it is no surprise that the game has been denied entry into the country.
What the future holds, however, is unclear. Square Enix and Saudi Arabia may reach an agreement, and the game could eventually be allowed to launch in Saudi Arabia, or different elements or features of the game may be adjusted or removed for it to be released in the country.
Saudi Arabia's Challenges to Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has been actively involved with video game regulation and acquisitions recently. Last year they were the first country to approve Microsoft's attempted acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
However, that deal now faces a major challenge from a UK government agency, which has deemed Microsoft's acquisition unlawful due to its potential impact on market competition. The Saudi Arabian General Commission for Audiovisual Media tweeted out the announcement.
Square Enix's Troubled Past with the Middle East: A Look at Kingdom Hearts III's Ban in Saudi Arabia
At the end of the day, it remains unclear whether Final Fantasy 16 will undergo any changes or will ultimately be allowed to launch in Saudi Arabia, leaving many gamers eagerly awaiting what the future holds for the beloved RPG, as also noted in an article by Video Game Chronicle.
For Square Enix and their Kingdom Hearts franchise, this isn't the first time they've had a controversy in the Middle East. In 2018, Kingdom Hearts III Deluxe Edition was blocked from release in Saudi Arabia due to a shipping issue exclusive to the country.
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The Challenge for Final Fantasy 16 in Saudi Arabia
Given Saudi Arabia's history of banning media and digital content, it remains to be seen whether Final Fantasy 16 will be released there anytime soon. It will likely take a negotiation between Square Enix and Saudi Arabia's GCAM before any progress can be made.
However, the fact that the game was refused for launch in the region is certainly disheartening for gamers in Saudi Arabia, who will miss out on what could be one of the most epic console role-playing games ever released.
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