Numerous gamers announced their intention to boycott Square Enix’s upcoming Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake after the company removed the option to select between male and female characters.
A screenshot from Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, (2024), Square Enix
It was reported at the beginning of this month that developer Square Enix was removing the option for players to choose between male and female characters and were instead labeling the character options as A and B.
This was reported by Ryokutya2089, who noted that the game has “no distinction between male and female heroes.”
Ryokutya also noted that the characters are labeled A and B with the A version appearing like a male hero while the B version is a female hero. Ryokutya even notes that the A version is voiced by male actor Hiyama Nobuyuki while the B version is voiced by Minaguchi Yuko.
On top of the main character having their sex removed from the character select, Ryokutya also reported that “jobs will also no longer be distinguished by gender in name.”
A screenshot from Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, (2024), Square Enix
These changes were confirmed in a preview for the game in the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. X user Scratch_Point_Z shared, “This preview in the latest issue of Japanese magazine Weekly Shonen Jump confirms Dragon Quest III HD-2D is using Type A & Type B in place of male & female.
This preview in the latest issue of Japanese magazine Weekly Shonen Jump confirms Dragon Quest III HD-2D is using Type A & Type B in place of male & female. pic.twitter.com/9UHilfFW2w
— Scratch Point (@Scratch_Point_Z) July 9, 2024
Following this confirmation the game was added to the Sweet Baby Inc. detected Steam curator list as well as Kabrutus Rambo’s DEI Detected website. On top of the removal of the option to choose between male and female characters, Kabrutus cites that the game also censored the trolls in the game by removing their lips.
He wrote, “On a much more personal and nerdier level, and this one really pisses me off, I must say, is the censorship of the Troll’s lips.”
A comparison of various depictions of trolls from different versions of Dragon Quest III
Furthermore, Kabrutus Rambo also notes that Sweet Baby Inc. lists Square Enix as one of their clients.
Screenshot of Sweet Baby Inc.’s clients
Not only has the game been added to the Sweet Baby Inc. detected Steam curator list as well as DEIDetected.com, but numerous gamers have expressed on the game’s Steam forums that they do not plan to purchase the game due to the changes Square Enix has made.
McRav posted, “no man/woman? DEI cenorship? you don’t get my money. no man/woman? DEI cenorship? you don’t get my money.”
McRav on Steam
READ: Square Enix Shareholder Questions Company About Sweet Baby Inc.’s Involvement
The Kurgan added, “DQ is my favorite jrpg franchise and I have put this on ignore.”
He continued, “I have played all the DQ games now and in fact just played 1,2,3,5,6 again on the snes Japanese versions. I even paid full price and preordered DQ 11(something I never do cause I have too many games already). That being said, it pains me to put my favorite jrpg franchise on ignore now. You win DEI nonsense, I won’t spend anymore money on you.”
The Kurgan on Steam
WarriorOfLight wrote, “SE Disband Your Ethics Department.”
“I really hope they get rid of all these idiots before the next FF game comes out. Gamers are rejecting games that have even the smallest wiff of woke BS. I’ve spent over $3,000 just on SE games on Steam (this doesn’t include prior to PC gaming and physical stuff I have bought) I will not buy this game. Even if it goes on sale. If you are tired of them pushing this BS on us then vote with your wallet along with me,” he concluded.
WarriorOfLight on Steam
HisShadowX wrote, “Take a little longer to remove the DEI. I’m not buying until the DEI is removed.”
HisShadowX on Steam
TysonL posted, “don’t buy over DEI. Square want’s to keep DEI in the game and remove genders. don’t buy. let this woke game lose money. wonder what else is changed.”
TysonL on Steam
Kora wrote, “Dear Square Enix: No Censorship Allowed! If you’re reading this, and you should be, I have one essential demand for you: take your ‘Body Type A’ and ‘Body Type B’ options from this upcoming game and change them back to ‘Male’ and ‘Female.’ Oh, wait. What’s that? There are a select few activists that will whine and scream at you for it? Tell them to grow up and stop being a bunch of babies! Otherwise, we’ll boycott your game. Make the change now. Excuses will not be tolerated.”
Kora on Steam
Senshi00 also posted, “I am writing to express concerns from a significant portion of the gaming community regarding the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) agenda and censorship in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Gamers are passionate about the authenticity of their favorite games. Many feel that DEI principles often lead to changes perceived as forced or inauthentic, detracting from the original vision and cultural essence of these games. Such alterations can undermine the narrative and artistic integrity, resulting in a less immersive experience.”
“Censorship, whether for cultural sensitivity or modern social standards, frequently dilutes content that fans have cherished for years. Gamers value experiencing games as they were initially conceived, with all their original quirks. Censorship not only affects authenticity but also raises concerns about creative freedom,” he continued. “Moreover, we find it particularly disrespectful that the work of Akira Toriyama, a beloved artist whose contributions have been integral to the Dragon Quest series, is being censored after his passing. This not only dishonors his legacy but also alienates the fans who have long admired his distinctive style and vision.”
Senshi00 concluded, “We urge the publisher to consider these perspectives. Gamers seek genuine, unaltered experiences that respect the original work’s cultural and artistic context. Imposing contemporary socio-political agendas or censoring content risks alienating the audience that has long supported these franchises. We hope future releases will prioritize authenticity and respect for the original content, ensuring the legacy of these games and their creators remains intact for longtime fans and new players alike.”
Senshi00 on Steam
What do you make of these players boycotting Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake?
