Those familiar with the Splinter Cell: Blacklist demo at last year's E3 might recall a part in which Sam Fisher tortures an interrogation suspect; he first breaks the arm of a foe, restrains him, and then plunges a knife in his shoulder. The player then has the option to twist the blade to extra info. Afterwards, the player can either spare the victim's life, or finish him off.
The reaction to the scene was, not surprisingly, extremely harsh. Many believed the depiction of such heinous violence was all too real and very much distasteful.
So what does the game's makers believe of the negative reaction? Blacklist producer Andrew Wilson, when talking to Eurogamer, defends the scene by stating:
"The first thing I'd say about that is that possibly there was missing context – and in an unabridged snapshot, it seemed like pretty tough material… We've scaled a lot of that back, and as we've gone through the process of development there are always things that you feel are not working as well. Every game does this, and cuts certain things."
Which is why the offending scene will not be in the final product:
"Definitely we are not going to see when the game's coming out that there are torture scenes in it. That scene is not there any more. I've not really heard anyone say they loved it…"
So critics should be happy. Though others, like those looking forward to the game, are livid. Many believe Ubisoft is caving into public pressure, and that Blacklist has been neutered. What do you think? Good move or spineless move?
