Why do the US cards get edited?

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Dr Kain

CoG iTrader
Can someone tell me why the Eng cards get edited? I was just comparing some of my EoJ cards with pics of the Jp ones, and Eria and Wynn have longer skirts on the Eng ones. Plus E Hero Wild Wingman has black colored legs instead of skin tone, and the Grand Conversion card does not have its cross. Same goes for a card like Skelengel. They replaced the halo with a crown. WHY?!!
 
Well the RUMOR is because Konami does the editing in order to match the demographic that they want to market it to. The English market (as in the United States) are apparently "stupid" to them and have to be dumbed down stuff for us in order to make the game appropriate, hence is why we got YGO GX! as this whole hipster thing with "Get your game on."

Personally, I think this is just nonsense that UDE spouts out. Even IF this was true, I blame UDE for not telling them what Americans can and cannot handle and really be adamant with Konami about it. Basically, just blame your countries censorship laws. Not everyone can be like Japan, which is a shame.
 
I think the actual reason is because the game's core demographic is kids. Apparently they can't handle the sight of girls in short skirts or the fact that Don Zaloog is holding guns, not daggers. (which to me seems more violent than a pair of 9mm). :huh_jedi:
 
Or the fact we can say Heaven, but holy mother of God beware the fiery pits of Hell. We cannot let the kiddies know that HELL exists. Hypocrisy at its best. Right now, I am going to put the blame on UDE for the edits only because they allow Konami to do it (if that is the case.)
 
I agree with D.M.E.N., it is to "protect" the children. although most americans allow children to watch, in essence, whatever they want. i knew about hell mainly because of the nightmare on elm st. series. it just seems stupid to me to replace Dark Ruler Ha Des's horns with a couple of orbs, censorship f&!*ing sucks!!!
 
what is the point of changing the image its like harpie lady picture they have messed with that picture becase of censorership!!!
 
But most people aren't going to even notice the details on a card, nor would they care. No one would care if Wynn had a short skirt that only covered most of her thighs in the US. Same goes for the Grand Cross card. Or the halo on Skelengel's head.
 
This is certainly censorship but the "they think we're stupid" explanation is not at all appropriate. UDE does not control what Konami does and I would be quite surprised if they had a desire to influence them in these types of decisions. Konami has their own view of this issue, cards that are fine in Japan under their own views of what is and is not appropriate are based on Takahashi's Japanese view on what material is suitable. Japan is neither better nor worse than the U.S. in what it does and does not allow but the directions of censorship and appropriate content are somewhat different. Are you going to insult every American company who has modified their products for the Japanese market as well?

Do they go overboard with these edits? Absolutely. But the edits are an attempt to keep some very reactionary groups from having a problem with the product (and if you don't think there is some sense in this you truly haven't watched the absurdity level of the Christian Right Wing and where they have previously seen the signs of devil worship, witchcraft, etc.)

The better question to ask is who chooses what to edit and why are those decisions made so poorly. Some cards are edited that couldn't possibly have been considered offensive or set off any flags (The Unhappy Girl), while others with content that is standardly edited come through without being touched (Maiden of the Aqua).
 
I would say that there are different cultural values in different places. For example, the ancient symbol known as the swastika, or broken cross, which has been around since the bronze age; is in Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism considered a holy symbol, and in many cases a lucky symbol. Indeed, many temples have quite noticable swastikas displayed. In the western world however, it is best known as the symbol used by the Nazi party of 1920s-40s Germany.

There was a pokemon card with a swastika symbol on it released in Japan, that was not released in the US following outcry, despite that the symbol symbolises something completely different over there....

Additionally- different places (and times) have different acceptances towards both sex and violence. Hollywood movies often have levels of violence considered unacceptable in Europe, whilst in France and Germany billboards with fully topless models are not uncommon. British newspapers often have topless photos, and german and scandinavian mixed naked saunas are just part of life. To be perfectly honest, I am still amazed by my host nations glorification of violence ad weapons, whilst being remarkably prudish about sex and nudity. Of course, this is just the way I view things ;)
 
I believe Mr. Chef has said it best, with a big nod toward D.M.E.N. Parents of little ones in the U.S. are often over-cautious about card games, where they tend to be less so about video games, TV and movies--go figure. I know many who still associate all card games as gambling and for those of loose morals. Many non-Christians I run into tell me that they think that card games like Pokemon, YuGiOh! and Magic the Gathering are demonic (these same also tell me that they are children's games that no self-respecting adult should be seen playing).

Frankly, I think it was plain good marketing strategy and a demonstration of knowing their target demographic for them to edit as they did. I kow I have a much easier time reasoning with "offended" people (face it, I'm a peacemaker) since they don't know the religious/counter-religious iconography of the Japanese cards. As for the Japanese cards, I understand that Skull Servant, in the Japanese version, does not actually show bone, because of the religious/supersticious issues surrounding the value of family bones--a hold-over from the ancient burial rites?
 
anthonyj said:
This is certainly censorship but the "they think we're stupid" explanation is not at all appropriate. UDE does not control what Konami does and I would be quite surprised if they had a desire to influence them in these types of decisions. Konami has their own view of this issue, cards that are fine in Japan under their own views of what is and is not appropriate are based on Takahashi's Japanese view on what material is suitable. Japan is neither better nor worse than the U.S. in what it does and does not allow but the directions of censorship and appropriate content are somewhat different. Are you going to insult every American company who has modified their products for the Japanese market as well?

Do they go overboard with these edits? Absolutely. But the edits are an attempt to keep some very reactionary groups from having a problem with the product (and if you don't think there is some sense in this you truly haven't watched the absurdity level of the Christian Right Wing and where they have previously seen the signs of devil worship, witchcraft, etc.)

The better question to ask is who chooses what to edit and why are those decisions made so poorly. Some cards are edited that couldn't possibly have been considered offensive or set off any flags (The Unhappy Girl), while others with content that is standardly edited come through without being touched (Maiden of the Aqua).
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And let me add to that, that UDE can "demand" nothing. The distributor has no control, nor is it entitled to creative control, of a product they do not produce themselves. Adding even more to that, this a Japanese company we are talking about here, with a completely different structure heavily influenced by its native country's culture. UDE does not "allow" Konami to do anything, it's the other way around. UDE can certainly tell them what they think, but can be "adamant" about nothing. This is not their game.

Has Konami messed up on this point? Absolutely. Based on Konami's decisions to date concerning the card game, I think they are bad businessmen. I've never seen a company so dead set on marketing to a core demographic when their demographic has expanded beyond that. Either no research is done, or the people in those relevant positions don't seem to think it's important. From where I'm standing, there is a little too much tradition weaved into the inner workings of the company. A good business does not play by tradition, it plays to the needs of its consumers.
 
It is against the law in the U.S for a (ages) "6+" product to portray a realistic firearm.

i.e. Konami has absolutely no choice in the matter, they must edit all guns.

Pornography definitions vary from state to state, some states are quite prude. Showing a card like (jpn.) Water Omotics to minors in certain states will be a criminal offence.

Of course I think the above is blatant discrimination, as there's no need to censor "Garuda the wind spirit" for example, but Konami doesn't make the laws.

As for censoring religious symbols etc, you should blame Nintendo, they are the ones who established the Custom of the Trade in the North American market. Konami is just following previously established customs.

UDE requested the change of Maji-Gire Panda's art, which I completely agree with.

I believe that WB kids might have influenced Harpie Lady's art change, but i have no proof.
 
I don't see anything wrong with Maji-Gire Panda, it looks like a normal Panda on a rampage.

And about that Pokemon card: it wasn't a normal swastika symbol, it was a reversed one (so it looks like two Z's instead of two S's). It means "Luck" in the japanese culture.
 
Chillout1984 said:
I don't see anything wrong with Maji-Gire Panda, it looks like a normal Panda on a rampage.
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If I remember correctly, the original "Maji-Gire Panda" had a mother panda and a baby panda huddled in the corner in 'fear'.

[edit]Oh, and the mad Panda had a skull under it's arm as well.
 
I gotta ask this...... Do you guys have any links to sites in english that have the original artwork. I can understand if you dont wanna post a link due to possible content issues but I thought id ask just in case
 
Well a lot of these changes are not needed in any way shape or form. i must say though that i do prefer te way they changed mystic tomatoe from that terrible killer tomatoe. it looks so boring its unreal. looks like a bloody pumpkin
 
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