It looks like Spider-Man 2 could be banned or delayed in the Middle East
It looks like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 could be the latest entertainment property to fall foul of Middle Eastern censors, resulting in a potential ban or a delay to the game’s release.
Publisher Sony started taking pre-orders for the PS5 game last month, shortly after announcing a Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 release date of October 20, 2023.
However, users in multiple Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have reported being unable to pre-order the PS5 sequel.
Spider-Man 2’s age rating has reportedly been removed from local PlayStation website listings for the game, some of which are currently displaying its release date as October 20, while also stating “release date to be determined.”
It’s been claimed that the game’s release could be delayed while content is censored to adhere to local customs and values. VGC has contacted Sony to see if it can clarify the game’s release status in the Middle East.
Sony’s animated movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was blocked from release in the UAE last month for failing to meet local censorship laws, partly because of a protect trans lives poster which briefly appears in the background of one frame, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Fellow PS5 exclusive Final Fantasy 16 was also recently banned in Saudi Arabia after publisher Square Enix reportedly refused to modify the game to meet censorship requirements.
Developer Insomniac Games premiered a new Spider-Man 2 story trailer during a Comic-Con panel last week, showing off Venom in action for the first time.
It also revealed a Spider-Man 2 limited edition PS5 bundle featuring a custom console cover design and matching DualSense wireless controller, which will launch in September ahead of the game.
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