Games are allowed to display Nazi symbolism in Germany after approval

The USK, the German organization that assesses games and gives age ratings, can now approve Nazi symbolism in games. That is only allowed if it is in the service of ‘art or science’.

The decision effectively equates games with films and books. It was already allowed in Germany to display Nazi symbolism such as swastikas, provided that it is not illegal and is not used as propaganda. The USK will check per game whether Nazi symbols are allowed.

The organization that represents the German game industry says it is pleased with the decision. The organization has been advocating equal treatment of games and films for a long time. In recent years, many games in Germany have been censored because of the strict rules surrounding the display of Nazi symbols. A recent example is Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, in which not only did swastikas look different, but also the appearance of Hitler was modified.

The censorship of Nazi symbols took place in Germany for decades. For example, Wolfenstein 3D was banned in 1994. Four years later, a German judge ruled that Wolfenstein 3D violated the constitution by showing Nazi symbols. Because of that ruling, games were not eligible for an exception to show Nazi symbolism under the guise of art or culture.

Germany has strict rules regarding censorship of games, not only when it comes to Nazi symbolism. Also, the portrayal of violence and blood in games often has to be adjusted. Last year Half-Life appeared uncensored in Germany for the first time after twenty years.