In the days following the release of SHIFT UP’s “Stellar Blade” and its controversial day-one censorship patch, an unexpected development emerged, that being a resolution to the recent post-launch censorship update that had plagued Aspyr’s Tomb Raider I-III Remastered.
A few weeks ago, we highlighted Crystal Dynamics’ and Aspyr’s efforts to destroy their reputations among consumers. In today’s gaming landscape, where standards seem to be plummeting, merely treating customers with respect, delivering a fully finished game, and including all advertised features are now seen as groundbreaking achievements.
For those who may not be aware, a recent update for Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, released on April 11th, addressed several bugs. However, one aspect that wasn’t mentioned in the patch notes was the removal of certain risqué posters featuring Lara Croft from the fourth level of Tomb Raider III: The Lost Artifact.
Without explanation, just months after the game’s release and the controversial “anti-racist” disclaimer, suggestive posters hidden within the third game were suddenly removed.
And now? They’re coming back.
The removal of the posters was labeled as “inadvertent,” a claim that’s difficult to verify. Nonetheless, the eventual readdition of the removed posters is likely a response to the controversy that arose upon their discovery.
Nevertheless, it’s worth acknowledging that for Aspyr to issue such a statement and restore the posters to the game after their removal is somewhat reassuring.
They had no obligation to do so, but their actions demonstrate a degree of accountability. The outcry over the removal undoubtedly caused a PR headache for Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics, which is a good thing.
But of course, Pierre’s infamous jacket featuring a nude woman will not be reinstated. It’s apparent that Aspyr may have felt compelled to reintroduce the removed posters due to the vocal outcry over censorship.
I, like many others, hope that Sony will take note of the numerous individuals who have canceled their PlayStation Plus service subscriptions in response to the day one censorship in Stellar Blade despite being advertised as uncensored.
