Turn 10 Studios has addressed recent player criticism regarding the moderation system in Forza Horizon 6, which faced backlash on Steam and social media over alleged unfair bans targeting Itasha-style vehicle designs. In response, Microsoft released an updated code of conduct intended to clarify which user-generated creations can lead to player bans.
Understanding Itasha and Moderation Concerns
Itasha cars feature custom vinyl decorations depicting manga, anime, and video game characters, a custom originating in Japan. Recently, online reports claimed a massive wave of bans unfairly targeted these designs, leading some users to discourage purchasing the game. Speculation also spread online regarding the use of AI moderators and mass reporting by specific groups.
Turn 10 Studios clarified that all reported content is reviewed by human moderators. The developer stated that the number of reports a piece of content receives does not influence its priority or position in the review queue.
Guidelines on Itasha and Suggestive Content
The updated guidelines specify that Itasha-style designs remain allowed, but explicitly state that explicit sexual content and sexually suggestive content are prohibited. Examples provided by the developer include designs showing provocative poses, associated gestures, facial expressions, and an emphasis on specific body parts.
Some users criticized the new criteria as too vague, while others discussed potential boundaries regarding specific poses and age representations of anime characters. Under the current policy structure, first offenses typically result in warnings, while subsequent violations lead to longer suspensions. However, zero-tolerance infractions incur permanent bans without prior warnings.
Review Status and Historical Symbolism
On Steam, the Japanese review status for Forza Horizon 6 dropped to mixed, with players expressing concerns over permanent bans stemming from content viewing or sharing, alongside gameplay and credit-earning complaints. Meanwhile, discussion also touched on restricted symbols like the Japanese imperial flag, though developers noted that regulations regarding such imagery have remained consistent across previous franchise entries.
What do you think about this story?
Latest Forza Horizon 6 news
More updates from the games featured in this story.
Microsoft Announces Compact Xbox Nano Controller Launching in November
Microsoft has introduced the Xbox Nano Controller, measuring over 5 inches and weighing 3.5 ounces, featuring 18 standard inputs and…
Forza Horizon 6 introduces 7-Eleven collaboration in new Horizon Meets update
Playground Games and Xbox have launched a limited-time 7-Eleven collaboration in Forza Horizon 6, featuring a Japanese-inspired convenience store, themed…
Guild discussion
0 players joined the conversation.