• Details: “The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth” is an action roguelike game known for its dark themes, including child abuse and religious allegories. The game was initially rejected by Apple due to its controversial content, specifically the violence toward a child character. However, the game was successfully released on multiple other platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles. After some revisions and discussions with Apple, it was eventually allowed on iOS, but the initial rejection was significant.
• Details: “Papers, Please” is a dystopian document inspection game where players assume the role of a border control officer. The game was initially rejected from the iOS App Store because of scenes involving pixelated nudity during body scans. Although the nudity was minimal and not explicit, Apple deemed it inappropriate. After the developer removed the nudity, the game was accepted on iOS. It remains a popular title on PC and other platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
• Details: Although “South Park: Phone Destroyer” eventually made it to the iOS App Store, it faced delays and content revisions due to its offensive humor, which is characteristic of the “South Park” franchise. Apple required changes to certain content, such as reducing crude jokes or references that might be deemed inappropriate for mobile audiences. The broader “South Park” games, such as The Stick of Truth and The Fractured But Whole, were successfully released on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation despite their controversial content.
• Details: “Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars” was initially rejected from the iOS App Store due to its drug-dealing mini-game, which allowed players to engage in illegal drug trade as part of the game’s mechanics. However, after revisions to remove or modify the content, the game was accepted on iOS. The broader “Grand Theft Auto” franchise is known for pushing boundaries, but these games were successfully released on other platforms, including Nintendo DS, PSP, Xbox, and PC.
• Details: “Surgeon Simulator” is a darkly comedic simulation game where players perform surgeries in a purposely clumsy manner, often leading to violent and gory outcomes. The game was initially rejected by the iOS App Store due to its violent and graphic nature, but it was later accepted after some content adjustments. On PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, the game maintained its original content and remains popular.
• Details: “Valiant Hearts: The Great War” is a narrative-driven game that tells the story of World War I from the perspective of several characters. The game initially faced challenges with the App Store due to its war-related content, including depictions of violence, even though it was presented in a more emotional and respectful manner. However, after making necessary adjustments, the game was eventually released on iOS. It was more widely accepted on platforms like PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, where the portrayal of war is less scrutinized.