New Dispatch Update Reduces Censorship On Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

AdHoc Studio has released a new update for the Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch versions of Dispatch to address censorship issues, known as the HR Violations from the Nintendo eShop. Previously there was controversy when it turned out that the Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch versions were censored. The new “HR Violations” update has toned down the censorship a bit, as while genitalia is still censored and Invisigal’s dream audio is muted because of Nintendo requirements, everything else is included now in the western version while a more strict version will still be sold in Asian territories. New visual filters are available that are live on Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch along with other platforms as part of this update

Hey everyone,

Today we released a free update for Dispatch that tackles the black bar censorship that disappointed many of our Switch players back in January.

Before we get into the story of how we got here, we want to be clear that some censorship will have to remain in the Switch version. You can read about the contents of the HR Violations Update in the patch notes below.

The update we’re releasing – and the way we’re releasing it – deserves some explanation. The story would be better shared over a late night beer or tacos, but here will have to do. For those who have their tacos or pints ready, go ahead and pull up a stool.

What the F*ck Happened

The short version: Approaching launch and running out of time and resources, we were surprised to learn that our game would require some level of censoring in all regions, not just the few we were already planning for. In a difficult spot, we decided to use a single Switch build that complied with Nintendo’s strictest regional rating. This led us to deliver a more censored version of Dispatch than Switch players were expecting.

The censorship itself wasn’t the only problem, though. Those of you who wishlisted, pre-ordered, or bought Dispatch on Switch did so based on what you’d seen in trailers, previews, and reviews from other platforms. The problem was we didn’t make it clear enough, before you spent your money, that the version you were buying was materially different from that game. And for that we’re truly sorry.

But you stuck with us. And the good news is that the success you all brought Dispatch gave us the opportunity to make this right, so we invested development time into creating the Switch version you all should have gotten in the first place.

“Some Censorship Will Remain in the Switch version,” eh?

Ultimately, there are some hard requirements from Nintendo that we have to adhere to: genitalia censored, Invisigal’s dream audio muted. (The audio one especially stings, we know.) However, we’ve confirmed that Switch players can now see all the breasts, butts, and birds (AKA, obscene gestures) they want in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

We’ve developed a few ways to obscure the lovingly crafted bits and pieces that must be censored, which you can read up on in our patch notes here. Take your pick: an elegant mosaic, the classic black bars, or…utter chaos. (Strategically placed jorts, anyone?)

And while Uncensored will remain the default setting on Steam and PS5, these new censorship options will also be available on those platforms, as well as the Xbox version when it launches this summer.

Seriously. Thanks.

To the people who kept engaging, kept pushing, kept playing – even when you were pissed off – you made it possible for us to get here. Not just by buying the game, but by loving the game. By swapping theories and fighting for ships and fueling the spirits of our bruised, spongy bodies with your art and cosplay. We can’t promise we won’t mess up sometimes – in fact, we should probably promise we will. But what we can say is that we’ll keep showing up and honoring the success story you created.

More soon.

See the patch notes below.

HR Violations update patch notes

Our latest free update, The HR Violations Pack, adds new visual filters that can be found in Dispatch’s General Settings > Filters menu. This update will have the biggest impact on Switch players, but these settings have been made available as additional options for Steam and PS5 players, too.

Available settings vary per region, so read on to make sure you’re fully aware of which HR Violations you’re committing before you play.

Speaking of regions: If you’re reading this from New Zealand, Dispatch is now in your eShop for the very first time, on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Welcome to the team.

NINTENDO SWITCH & NINTENDO SWITCH 2

Coverage Settings (Partial or Full)

Partial Coverage
Butts, boobs, and birds (AKA, middle fingers) are all set free. HR tells us genitals and explicit audio are still off limits, so those stay censored.

Full Coverage
Fully censors all explicit visual and audio content.

Censorship Styles (Mosaic, Chaotic, or Blackout)

Mosaic Style (Default)

Covers up with a demure pixelated blob.

Chaotic Style

Covers up with whatever’s lying around, like jorts.

Blackout

This standard censorship style is still available for maximum coverage.

Coverage and Style are independent settings, so mix and match to your preference.

Default Settings: Partial Coverage in Mosaic style

Regional Availability

Coverage Settings:

– North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand: Partial or Full Coverage (player choice)
– Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Southeast Asia: Full Coverage only

Censorship Styles:

– North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Southeast Asia: Mosaic, Chaotic, or Blackout (player choice)
– Japan: Blackout only

STEAM, PLAYSTATION 5
While Steam and PlayStation will continue to have all the classic, uncensored smut you know and love as the default setting, we’re also making this free update available on those platforms – because everyone deserves the chance to see Toxic in jorts.

Xbox players will get access to these settings when the game releases later this summer.

Default Steam & PS5 Settings:

– Japan: Full Coverage in Blackout style
– All other regions: Totally uncensored

How to Access

Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2: Via the DLC menu in the Nintendo eShop. Once downloaded, find all coverage and style options in your Game Menu under General Settings > Filters.

Steam & PlayStation 5:

Simply update your game to find the new coverage options in your Game Menu under General Settings > Filters.

Thanks for playing, and thanks for making your voices heard. Now, please go enjoy your newly customizable HR violations responsibly. Or don’t. We’re not your boss.