Why was Wolfenstein 2009 removed?

Wolfenstein 2009, developed by Raven Software and published by Activision Blizzard, was pulled from all digital and retail outlets globally after swastikas and other Nazi imagery were discovered in the German release version. This violated Germany‘s strict rules banning use of unconstitutional organization symbols in media, forcing the game to be banned there and then delisted worldwide by the publisher.

Germany‘s Tough Stance Against Nazi Imagery

For decades, the Wolfenstein franchise has faced major censorship issues in Germany due to strict laws regarding media depictions of Nazi symbolism. Section 86a of the German Criminal Code forbids "use of symbols" from unconstitutional groups like fascist and nazi organizations, making games featuring high levels of swastikas or other iconography unlikely to get approval for release there.

After Return to Castle Wolfenstein was banned in Germany upon initial release, publishers made concerted efforts to remove or change this type of content when localizing to German. However, some imagery would slip through review unnoticed periodically and force recalls or new bans.

Review Process Missed Some Symbols

Activision worked extensively to edit Nazi symbols out of the German version of Wolfenstein 2009. Unfortunately, some imagery escaped the review process:

"Activision had done their best to see that the German release of Wolfenstein was swastika-free, but a few had slipped under the radar." [1]

Once these symbols were discovered, German rating agencies took swift action, essentially banning further local sales of the title.

Global Delisting to Simplify Publishing

In the aftermath, Activision decided to delist and discontinue the game globally across all platforms, from Steam to Xbox Live to retail.

Maintaining different publishing versions between markets introduced more complexity, so the path of least resistance was pulling the game entirely rather than editing Nazi symbols solely for German copies.

Critics Found Game Average at Best

Before removal, critical reception to Wolfenstein 2009 was middling, with common complaints about dated graphics, average gameplay, and an uninspired story. Here are summary stats:

With less than 100,000 total units sold on all platforms, the 2009 entry performed far worse commercially than Wolfenstein games before and after like Return to Castle Wolfenstein (2001) and Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014).

Still Canon Despite Ban

Though a financial failure removed from sale early, Wolfenstein 2009 remains canon lore-wise in the long-running series. Direct references occur in The New Order from MachineGames where key characters and story elements from 2009 return. So the events are considered part of the wider fictional universe and history despite limited exposure.

Where Fans Can Still Experience It

As obtaining a physical copy now depends on secondary markets, options are limited currently for fans to play Wolfenstein 2009:

• Check local game stores for used console editions
• Search eBay or Amazon Marketplace for copies from resellers
• Watch full game playthroughs on Youtube to at least view the story

Though delisted digitally, it may eventually return officially or get fan support through initiatives like browser emulation. But Activision has not indicated plans to republish the game as of 2023.

Current Landscape in Germany Trending Towards Change

In recent years, Germany has shown signs of lightening its stance on banning games with fascist symbols in select contexts. For example, Wolfenstein: Youngblood from MachineGames was approved for release there despite retaining some Nazi references and images in the alternative-history setting.

And major policy revisions now allow swastikas to appear in art and film media sold locally. Video game laws remain unchanged, but moves like re-allowing Wolfenstein II sales on case-by-case basis hint that the strict, automatic bans of the past may slowly reduce in coming years if context warrants it.

However, the History with the 2009 release was over a decade ago, so no policy shifts can restore its original German launch. The global delisting looks set to stay indefinitely barring a major announcement from Activision or Bethesda, who acquired the IP catalog later on.

The Definitive Account of an Elusive Title

In summary, the little-known tale of why Wolfenstein 2009 disappeared boils down toActivision‘s attempt to follow German laws on Nazi symbols combined with practical financial realities around maintaining multiple localized publishing versions.

This article compiles the most comprehensive set of details on the controversial title‘s demise – an exceptionally rare outcome given Germany‘s usual preference to censor entertainment media rather than impose complete bans. Though the reasons stem from internal processes failing and regional regulations, the event remains a peculiar case study of what can happen when bans carry over internationally.

For FPS devotees, the game may be gone but not forgotten thanks to preserved canon lore and niche demand from series completionists seeking to experience this obscure chapter in Wolfenstein history.