In today’s mobile world, games have become a huge part of our lives. The App Store is filled with games of all kinds, from fun puzzle games to exciting action games. But among them, some games make one wonder if they have really gone too far. In this post, we’ll explore the reasons that make a game inappropriate and try to answer the question of What Is The Most Inappropriate Game on the App Store.
What Is an Inappropriate Game?
First, let us talk about what exactly can make any game inappropriate. There are a few things that could make one say a game is not okay.
First, it could be violence, meaning fights, and blood.
Next, it could be sexual content, such as naked characters or sex scenes.
Additionally, it could be the game’s reliance on bad language or cussing. Also, games showing or encouraging to take drugs or drink alcohol are generally considered inappropriate.
Moreover, a game could be deemed unsuitable if it is based on any offensive religious, political, or other themes.
Finally, it could be gambling, especially when a game allows one to make real money bets or to simulate casino games.
5 Most Inappropriate Games on the App Store
It’s impossible to say what the absolutely most inappropriate game is. Many people have different opinions about what is inappropriate. However, these games have often been the cause of an awful lot of debates:
#1. Cartel Kings
This game lets you become drug lords. You have to produce and sell drugs, which is a very inappropriate thing for many people. Although the game doesn’t actually show drug usage, the whole idea is very controversial.
#2. Dirty Chinese Restaurant
This game was never released due to the amount of backlash. It used harmful, racist stereotypes of Chinese people and these people’s restaurants.
#3. Plague Inc.
Although this game can be thought of as mostly strategic, some people think it is inappropriate as you have to create a disease that will wipe out the whole of humanity. This game was even taken off the Chinese App Store during the COVID-19 pandemic.
#4. Joyride
This driving game has been criticized due to it encouraging driving like a maniac. You can earn points for near misses and driving on the wrong side of the road features that some think are too dangerous in the game.
#5. HuniePop
This puzzle game is not as inappropriate as some of the others and only has slightly sexual themes and some cartoon characters that are partially nude. However, some people still think that it is too inappropriate for the App Store.
The Gray Area: Games That Push Boundaries
Some games aren’t inappropriate, but they are on the edge. These games always start the discussion of what the developers should be allowed to post on their app.
In this category, there are games like:
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto is by definition a game for adults due to its violent gameplay and depressing plots. However, when the “San Andreas” version came as a mobile app, it did little to tone those elements down.
The game features violence and sexual content and includes all sorts of illegal activity, so although “GTA: San Andreas” is rated M, some consider it too much for a mobile app.
South Park: Phone Destroyer
It is based on an adult cartoon show, so naturally, it is full of gross jokes and inappropriate speech. On one hand, it fits the cartoon’s tonality. On the other, one could argue it should not be allowed for its young audience to play trivial games.
Bully: Anniversary Edition
It takes place in a school, and players can fight other students and create chaos among them. Some people are worried that with a game like that, “brothers” might get the wrong idea.
I assume that each player needs to answer for themselves: is it appropriate to play such games at all or not? Or What Is The Most Inappropriate Game on the App Store?
The Impact of Inappropriate Games
There are a few effects when inappropriate games get on the App Store:
- Exposure to harmful content: Young players may see things they are not supposed to see. This might be harmful to their physical and social development.
- Normalizing wrong behaviors: Games that portray violent acts or illegal activity as something fun and for everyone might make these things seem less reprehensible.
- Addiction: Some developers use slot-machine mechanics to keep players for as long as possible and keep milking profits from them.
- Cultural insensitivity: If a game is based on some somewhat true stereotype, it may spread harmful ideas of “they are the way the game tells you they are” to other people.
- Public backlash: Whenever some sort of very inappropriate games are found by the public, there is an outcry, and usually it is bad for Apple.
What Is Apple’s Response to Inappropriate Games?
If a game is found to be too inappropriate, Apple usually does one of three things:
- Apple may remove the game from the App Store,
- Ask the developers to change parts of the game or
- Add stronger warnings or age restrictions.
Making tough judgment calls and balancing the practice of allowing creative game makers while keeping the App Store safe and acceptable for all sits squarely on Apple’s forehead.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I buy a game and it turns out to be inappropriate for me, can I get a refund?
Yes, there is a refund system. If you find the game to be totally inappropriate, you can get a refund either via your App Store account or by contacting Apple support.
How can I report an inappropriate game on the App Store?
You need to go to the game’s page and scroll down until you find the ‘Report a Problem’ button. After that, the system will lead you through a couple of steps when you will have to explain why you believe the game to be inappropriate.
Are games with in-app purchases also considered inappropriate since they push players to spend money?
In-app purchases are not inappropriate themselves, but games pushing to spend money heavily and especially targeting children with this behavior can be seen as a serious problem.
Do other app stores have the same rules related to inappropriate games?
The rules of other app stores, for example, for Android apps or Windows apps, are not identical but will be quite similar.
If a game is removed for being inappropriate, can the developer update it to be appropriate and then return it to the App Store?
More often than not, this is the case. If the developer adapts the game and it is approved on a second try, it will be introduced to the app store once again.
Conclusion
While it’s impossible to answer “What Is The Most Inappropriate Game on the App Store”, inappropriate games vary drastically from those reminiscent of physical or sexual violence to those promoting ideas or activities of an offensive nature.
Content inappropriate to one user may prove to be harmless or acceptable to another. Though users should strive to remain aware of potential risks associated with the games they choose to play and make good decisions through available reports, reviews, age ratings, or parental tools, they cannot guard themselves and others against every possible piece of inappropriate content.
In the case of minors, the responsibility of browsing and choosing age-appropriate content rests with their parents.
Since a healthy App Store environment is one where creativity and caution play a challenging game, gamblers should remain calm, collected, and informed to ensure steady access to suitable games.