Marvel's Wolverine censors Mystique's lesbian relationship in Middle Eastern versions

Players have reported that Marvel's Wolverine censors Mystique's lesbian relationship and marriage to Tyger in certain regional versions of the game. Screenshots shared on social media and Reddit appear to show how the relationship is handled differently across versions.

According to reports from the Middle Eastern version, a framed wedding photo of Mystique and Tyger is blurred in-game, rendering it blank though still pickable as an object. A letter between the characters has similarly been entirely blurred and made unreadable. In another instance, dialogue cuts out whenever the word "wife" is mentioned in the context of their relationship, with subtitles replacing the word with asterisks instead.

This approach mirrors how other media in the Middle East handle sensitive content. Streaming services and broadcasters in the region commonly mute or remove words from subtitles when dealing with same-sex relationships, religious references, or other subjects considered objectionable by local standards. Amazon Prime Video's The Boys has faced similar complaints, particularly regarding references to religion and Jesus Christ.

Mystique's relationship with Tyger remains partially present in the game rather than being entirely removed. The marriage is central to Mystique's story arc and her friendship with Wolverine in the uncensored version, but any mention or visual reference to the relationship has been censored in affected regions.

This is not the first instance of regional censorship affecting Insomniac Games and Sony titles. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 was modified before its release in Saudi Arabia to remove LGBTQ+ references, including a Pride Flag and a side mission featuring a gay couple. Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Media Regulation confirmed the changes in September 2023, stating the publisher had "approved the requested modifications" without specifying what they entailed.

The pattern has raised concerns within the industry. EA faces scrutiny over its acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, with many questioning whether the company's historically progressive treatment of LGBTQ+ characters in franchises like The Sims could change under Saudi ownership.

Eurogamer has contacted Sony for comment on the Marvel's Wolverine censorship.