The hype surrounding Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 continues to intensify, particularly after Sony revealed the latest story trailer for the game and showcased a special edition PS5 console. The game’s developers, Insomniac Games, have also declared more graphical improvements are in the pipeline, ramping up excitement for the game’s scheduled release on October 20. However, amidst the anticipation, Middle Eastern PlayStation fans may be left disappointed.
Several reports have emerged suggesting Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 might not be available to buy on the PlayStation Network in Middle Eastern countries. This speculation has its roots in a series of posts by Twitter user MSM Access and Reddit users, who reported being unable to pre-order the game on PSN. In a region where games like Final Fantasy 16 have previously been banned due to the inclusion of LGBTQ characters, there are concerns that a similar fate could befall Insomniac Games’ latest offering.
The situation has created a web of confusion and speculation within the Middle Eastern fandom. Some fans claim that while the game is visible on PSN, it’s unavailable for purchase. A user even reported that PlayStation had refunded their purchase. Others claim the game is completely absent from the PSN stores in Qatar and UAE, while users from Saudi Arabia insist it is still present on the platform. Despite the hodgepodge of reports, one thing is clear: a web of frustration and confusion has formed among the region’s gamers.
Can’t pre order Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
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Similar cases of game banning in the region have typically been linked to strict policies for LGBTQ content. For instance, the movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was banned in the UAE because of a couple of brief scenes showcasing a trans pride flag. Spider-Man 2’s fate may hang in a similar balance, especially if the game includes any LGBTQ+ characters. The same thing happened to Final Fantasy 16 earlier this year.
A simple pride flag in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 could’ve drawn the attention of the regulators in the Middle East. The original Spider-Man game featured pride flags, and Insomniac Games has previously voiced its support for the LGBTQIA+ community, so it’s not impossible for the game to eventually release in the region.
The best-case scenario is that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 isn’t banned in the Middle East. Rather, Insomniac will simply have to edit out certain things. If this happens, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will eventually swing to store shelves in the Middle East – just not on October on October 20. But, this all hinges on whether Insomniac is open to censoring Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for broader market access.
Despite the uncertain situation, Middle Eastern fans keen to swing into action with Spider-Man 2 still have options. Gamers can create a PSN account based on a different region, for instance. PSN gift cards for US and UK accounts are available on the internet and can be used to buy the game if it ends up being banned in the Middle East.
This scenario echoes past controversies, raising questions about balancing between creative expression, representation, and regional sensibilities.
As anticipation builds for Spider-Man 2, fans in the Middle East are left swinging in uncertainty, hopeful that it’s still landing in their region, even if slightly delayed.
