Reports suggest that certain elements of Mystique's lesbian relationship with Tyger in Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine have been censored in Middle Eastern versions of the title. Players have shared instances on social media and Reddit where references to the couple's marriage and relationship appear to be altered or obscured.
One notable example involves a framed wedding photo of Mystique and Tyger, which is reportedly blurred to the point of being blank in some versions of the game. Additionally, a letter exchanged between the characters has been entirely blurred, rendering its contents unreadable. These observations, highlighted by outlets like Kotaku, suggest a deliberate modification of in-game assets.
Further evidence points to alterations in dialogue and subtitles. Screenshots from the Middle Eastern version show dialogue censoring the word "wife" when referring to Mystique's partner, with the word replaced by asterisks in the subtitles. This censorship tactic, involving muting specific words or replacing them in subtitles, is described as common for media distributed in the Middle East when dealing with themes of religion or same-sex relationships.
This pattern of censorship is not unprecedented for Insomniac Games and Sony. Marvel's Spider-Man 2, released prior to its Middle Eastern launch, was modified to remove LGBTQ+ references, including the Pride Flag and content featuring a gay couple. Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Media Regulation confirmed that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 was classified after the publishing studio approved requested modifications.
The implications of such censorship extend beyond individual titles, raising concerns within the industry. EA's recent acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has prompted discussions about potential shifts in the publisher's identity, particularly concerning its history of inclusive representation in games like The Sims series. While Mystique's relationship with Tyger remains a narrative element in Marvel's Wolverine, its altered presentation in specific regions prompts ongoing discussion about content localization and censorship practices in gaming.
Eurogamer has reached out to Sony for comment on these reports.