Dispatch developer AdHoc deployed a cheeky solution to the Switch version's heavy censorship. A new "HR Violations Pack" patch lets players in the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand toggle off black bars that previously covered breasts, buttocks, and obscene gestures. The patch name itself signals AdHoc's playful frustration with Nintendo's content restrictions.
The update offers creative alternatives beyond full uncensoring. Players can swap the intrusive black bars for a mosaic filter, or embrace absurdist comedy by covering nudity with strategically placed jorts. That last option references John Cena's famous wrestling attire, turning censorship into a meme.
AdHoc framed the patch as addressing "HR Violations," a tongue-in-cheek nod to why the studio had to censor content in the first place. The developer cited "hard requirements from Nintendo" as the original reason for the heavy-handed approach. The new patch doesn't mock Nintendo outright, but it makes clear that the censorship was a platform mandate, not the studio's creative choice.
Dispatch is a tactical espionage game that blends puzzle-solving with stealth mechanics. The Switch version's black bars became a talking point in the community because they felt overly restrictive compared to versions on other platforms. By offering mosaic filtering and jorts as legitimate censorship options, AdHoc demonstrated that Nintendo's requirements left room for interpretation, just not one the studio had explored initially.
This move reflects a broader pattern in indie development: studios working within platform holder guidelines but openly acknowledging the constraints. AdHoc's approach converts a limitation into marketing, turning frustration into humor. The "HR Violations Pack" name alone ensures the patch generates conversation.
The update lands at a time when Switch players have grown accustomed to different content standards across platforms. By giving players agency