5 Gaming Controversies That Nearly Broke The Industry

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Video games have a long history, and the industry has faced several challenges. From early crashes that almost ended gaming altogether to reports of mistreatment within game companies, problems have always existed. Instead of dwelling on divisive events like #Gamergate or the actions of problematic individuals, we’ve looked at five games that sparked major controversy and genuinely threatened the future of the video game industry. These games, presented here in no specific order, each caused widespread debate and concern.

1) Street Fighter X Tekken

For years, gamers have appreciated DLC – extra content for their games that’s usually affordable. Everyone knows what DLC stands for – “downloadable content” – but Capcom seemed to forget this with Street Fighter X Tekken. Instead of releasing typical DLC, they included the extra content on the game disc but required players to pay to unlock it. Capcom claimed this approach would help smoothly deliver content after the game was released on the PlayStation Vita, which initially featured those same 12 characters. However, fans were angry that content they’d eventually have to pay for was already part of the game. This caused a lot of distrust towards DLC in general, and many gamers became hesitant to buy it in the future.

2) Manhunt

The video game Manhunt puts players in the role of a prisoner on death row who is compelled to kill members of rival gangs for the purpose of creating violent films. Both Manhunt and its sequel were highly controversial and faced opposition from regulatory bodies, leading to bans in several countries, including the U.S. and the U.K. Critics labeled the franchise a “murder simulator,” and the game received significant negative attention, especially after a murder in the U.K. was initially linked to it. Though police later dismissed the connection, the incident fueled existing concerns about a potential link between video games and real-world violence.

3) Star Wars: Battlefront II

Mentioning “loot boxes” is a surefire way to get a reaction from a gamer. A prime example of the controversy surrounding them is Electronic Arts’ Star Wars Battlefront II. The game allowed players to buy random in-game items that could give them an edge, effectively letting them pay for advantages. Because of the random nature and cost of these loot boxes, many felt the game was essentially gambling. This sparked investigations in multiple countries and a lot of criticism towards EA and the game. The whole situation made gamers much more cautious about pre-ordering expensive new games, fearing they’d be required to spend even more money on hidden costs to truly enjoy the experience.

4) Wolfenstein 3D

When Wolfenstein 3D came out, it was a huge step forward for first-person shooter games, but it also caused a lot of debate. The game features Nazis as enemies and uses symbols like the Swastika, along with the Nazi Party anthem, “Horst-Wessel-Lied,” in its soundtrack. While some questioned the controversy of portraying Nazis as villains, the issue stemmed from the use of these specific symbols and references. Germany banned the game due to its depiction of Nazi imagery, which is against the law there. This ban had a big impact on the gaming industry in Germany, and the game’s violent content also led to complaints and difficulties for stores and developers in other countries.

5) Mortal Kombat

The controversy surrounding the violent content in the video game Mortal Kombat was arguably the most significant challenge the industry ever faced. Its graphic finishing moves, called Fatalities, caused outrage among religious and parent groups, leading to calls for censorship and bans – and actual bans in some countries. This situation was similar to the concerns raised about Dungeons & Dragons in the 1980s. The issue even reached the U.S. Congress, creating a major crisis that threatened the future of violent video games. Ultimately, the industry responded by creating the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which rates games to this day, and the effects of that period are still felt today.

What’s the most memorable gaming drama you remember from your childhood? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-22 18:40