Banned or Censored Video Games Around the World

Video games aren't universally loved. What one country deems safe and okay, another can outright ban or even sue the company/studio.

Most of the time, video games are banned because of their depiction of violence and taboo topics. Games that display too much gore, blood, or violence can be seen as offensive. The same goes for games that depict different cultures in a negative or stereotypical way.

Curious about which games have been banned or censored around the world? Click through the slideshow for nine games banned or censored you should know about.

"Grand Theft Auto," also known as "GTA," is a popular video game franchise that's been censored and banned from multiple countries for its violence and promotion of criminal activity. The franchise is banned entirely in Thailand. Specific games are banned in other countries. For instance, "Grand Theft Auto V" was banned in Saudi Arabia.

Two countries also banned "The Last of Us Part II." This was because of its portrayal of a homosexual relationship. The countries that banned this game include the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

"The Guy Game" is an adult video game with sexual content. One of the girls in the footage in the game, who shows up topless, was a minor at the time, sparking controversy across the globe. The game was banned in the United States.

"Fallout 3" wasn't banned by Japan, but it was censored and changed. They specifically changed a scene/quest where the player has to defuse or detonate a nuclear warhead. Because of Japan's history, they took away the option to detonate it. Germany also made some changes to the game, taking away some gory scenes and images.

"Football Manager 2005" isn't violent or scary, so why was it banned? Well, it was momentarily banned in China because it stated Tibet and Taiwan were independent countries, which is not what China holds to be true. It was quickly changed.

Australia is very strict when it comes to allowing video games into the country and the ratings. They've banned quite a few games, including "Wasteland 3," which depicted drug use. The game is no longer banned; instead, there is a censored version with an 18+ rating.

Australia gets another mention as they banned and censored "Soldier of Fortune: Payback." This 2007 video game is violent and gory, depicting mutilation. The only version available in Australia now no longer has the option to mutilate enemies.

"Bully" is a video game where the player tries to stop bullying. However, the game depicts violence against children. Brazil was not okay with this and banned the game, citing the potential to harm young kids and teens. The ban was lifted on June 23, 2016.

"Manhunt" is one of the most violent games out there. It's about an inmate who is forced to complete snuff films while violently killing and hurting gang members. Can you see why so many countries banned and censored it? This game was banned in New Zealand, Australia, and Germany.