9 Comments

LaoBushido1/25/2016, 11:59:57 AM3 votes

{quoted}

Hey all,

I can give a bit of context on why the cigar was removed. Essentially, there was a significant risk of censorship or age rating problems in various regions based on the depiction of tobacco usage. This kind of thing is pretty strictly enforced in parts of the world, and in this case it became clear that we needed to remove the cigar in his splash. The relevant laws sometimes apply differently depending on content type, which is why something that might work in peripheral content like a cinematic may not work in content like splashes that are tied specifically to the core game.

I can also speak a bit as to why we wouldn't create multiple splashes in response to this kind of issue. One of our goals moving forward with splash art, compared to how things have been done in the past, is to create content for all regions. In the past we've created modified or entirely different splashes based on the needs or appeal of certain regions, but this is something we've been working to change moving forward. Where possible, we want to stay away from sharding the game unnecessarily for different regions. It may seem like a small thing in this case, but we believe that being consistent with this artistic approach best allows for a common community and common stories for players to experience and share with each other.

-Silver

Mystery Ghost1/25/2016, 12:09:40 PM2 votes
KrugLyfe1/25/2016, 2:15:20 PM1 votes

Esq gragas has a cigar...and he drinks alchohol....

La Barbotte1/31/2016, 7:37:40 PM1 votes

Illaoi Annie Velkoz if you know what i mean, but graves cant have a cigar