Is Fallout illegal in China?
As a long-time gamer and Fallout fanatic who analyzes industry trends, I get asked this question a lot:
"Is the Fallout franchise actually illegal or banned in China?"
The short answer is no, the post-apocalyptic Fallout video games are not labeled as "illegal" media nor officially banned by Chinese authorities.
However, with one of the strictest video game regulatory regimes in the world, China‘s relationship with the Fallout series still warrants a closer look…
China‘s Complex History With Fallout
On the surface, you might expect Fallout to run afoul of Chinese censors. After all, in the game‘s lore, China invades Alaska in 2066 leading to a Sino-American war that culminates in a nuclear apocalypse. Not exactly flattering stuff.
Yet while China has banned many Western games like PUBG and GTA for extreme violence, Fallout has maintained a muted yet legal existence there for years thanks to its single-player open world format.
Early Fallout games were imported and made available without issue. Fallout 3 hit certification snags due to some sexually suggestive mods, but cleared regulations after edits. Currently, mobile spin-offs like Fallout Shelter operate freely in Chinese app stores, despite imagery of mushroom clouds and radioactive wastelands.
So why does China turn a blind eye to Fallout‘s post-nuclear war setting but ban other violent titles? Understanding this requires a deeper look into China‘s gaming regulatory regime.
Inside China‘s Video Game Review Process
The Chinese government implements strict screening of video games through agencies like the National Press and Publication Administration. Regulators follow vague rules against:
- Promoting cults or superstitions
- Violating China’s constitution
- Threatening national unity
- Harming national honor
Games can‘t feature gambling, blood, organized crime or drugs either. And since 2008, regulators require real-name verification linked to state ID numbers in order to combat gaming addiction.
However, sources indicate China‘s real motivation is limiting outside influences on Chinese youth. Single-player games like Fallout likely fly under the radar compared to online worlds like World of Warcraft (banned 2008) or Club Penguin (banned 2017) where impressionable players might interact.
While execution remains inconsistent, regulators almost exclusively target competitive, networked games over contained single-player experiences devoid of messaging channels. That creates an opening for titles like Fallout.
By The Numbers: China‘s $30B Gaming Market
China boasts a nearly 700 million player base and the world‘s largest video game market, with 2021 revenue projected to top $30 billion.
With so much money on the line, studios target Chinese censors early in development or modify content to comply, as evidenced by games like:
- League of Legends (edited global version)
- World of Tanks (altered to fit "socialist values")
- Overwatch (changed voice lines/skeleton removal)
Yet sweeping titles like Fortnite, PUBG, and GTA5 off digital shelves leaves billions untapped. Thus an amended Fallout game meeting content rules could potentially reap huge financial rewards.
Could Post-Apocalyptic Themes Draw Future Backlash?
For now, Fallout appears immune to broader crackdowns on gaming content thanks to its single-player DNA.
However, as Chinese regulators fluctuate on what media passes muster, I speculate even those formats could face stricter review moving forward. Why?
If barriers loosen after China passes peak COVID lockdowns in 2024, authorities may renew emphasis on restricting outside influences, including:
- Imperialist or unflattering historical themes
- Excess violence/gore
- Imagery counter to "socialist values"
A post-nuclear war setting where China assaults America theoretically touches all three areas.
While retroactively banning previously approved games like Fallout seems unlikely, newer franchise releases may encounter harsher scrutiny, delays, or necessary content tweaks. We‘ve seen hints of this already with Fallout 3’s mods issue years back.
That presents a tough balancing act for Bethesda: Modify beloved IP to appease Chinese censors without diminishing the signature Fallout tone? Or stand firm creatively at the expense of penetrating the industry’s most lucrative market?
The answer remains unclear, but the resolution could impact Fallout’s long-term legacy in China either way.
The Bottom Line
So as of late 2022, no – Fallout is NOT explicitly illegal or banned in China as either past titles or mobile offshoots maintain official approval for distribution.
However, the series hardly aligns with Chinese "socialist values" on face. I speculate newer franchise entries may encounter stricter scrutiny or necessary content modifications to stay above board there moving forward.
Yet for now, fans can enjoy current Fallout games with no legal issues or nationwide blacklisting…even if imagining a Chinese-language Fallout localization still stretches believability after all these years.
Over to you – do you anticipate Fallout running into China‘s regulatory crosshairs down the road due to ideological themes contrary to Communist Party doctrine? Or will the franchise continue flying under the radar as a Western single-player experience with limited reach?
Let‘s discuss in the comments!
