Anticipation is building around Lies of P, one of the major titles set to debut on Xbox Game Pass on September 19. Developed by South Korean studio Neowiz, the game has elicited favorable comparisons to Bloodborne. In addition, it has been receiving positive critiques on Metacritic, with scores hovering between 81 and 84 across different platforms. Amid the strong reviews and growing excitement, there emerges a contentious talking point regarding the game.

Neowiz Opts for Content Removal

Days leading up to its release, Neowiz has taken the decision to excise the “APAB” sign from Lies of P. For those unfamiliar with the acronym, APAB stands for “All Puppets Are Bastards”. This has been identified as a nod to the politically charged phrase “All Cops Are Bastards”, a sentiment expressed by some segments opposing police institutions. The inclusion of such a slogan, albeit modified, in a video game was bound to generate debates.

Aiming for a Unified Gaming Experience

The game’s director, Ji-Won Choi, during an interaction with Video Games SI, confirmed the removal. He commented, “That was one of the messages we were going to use in the game, but we ended up taking it out.” Choi elaborated on the reason behind the decision, emphasizing the desire for players to immerse in the game without preconceptions. The objective was for the audience to interpret the designed world as envisioned by its creators, without any distractions.

“We really wanted the world that we designed to be interpreted by the players exactly how we aimed it to be, so we took out factors that could be a little risky. We respect everyone who might want to play this game, and we wanted everyone to get the best experience out of it,” Choi added.

Why Was It There in the First Place?

Regarding the initial inclusion of the sign and its correlation to the game’s overarching themes, Choi remained tight-lipped. Additionally, the exact timeline of its removal remains uncertain. Was it an immediate response to online observations or a last-minute decision prior to the game’s release? This remains a mystery.

Release Details and Availability

Lies of P is poised to make its global release on September 19. Gamers can access it on multiple platforms including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. Upon launch, it will be accessible through Xbox Game Pass and can also be procured as a standard purchase for $59.99.

In Conclusion

While video games often mirror societal realities and engage with contemporary issues, developers must walk a fine line to ensure that their creation remains a cohesive experience. The removal of the APAB sign from Lies of P underscores this challenge, as Neowiz navigates the intersection of creativity, player experience, and societal sensibilities. As the game rolls out, it remains to be seen how this decision will resonate with the gaming community.

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