So, I read this article in Joystiq about how the Chinese government has rejected Wrath of the Lich King because it contains subversive content. Among the items cited: undead skeletons. I’m not sure what the Chinese government has against skeletons, but it intrigues me greatly. Is it a cultural issue? I’d like to think I know something about Chinese tradition and culture, but this doesn’t sound familiar at all. I know there are traditional values regarding honoring the deceased. But at the same time, I’ve seen movies from mainland China with skeletons in them.
Back in 2007, the company distributing World of Warcraft in China was required to give all of their skeletons ‘flesh,’ turning them into zombies. The reason given at the time was to promote ‘harmonious society.’ If these two events are related, perhaps the problem comes from the fact that the undead didn’t have flesh.
Can someone shed some light on this anti-skeleton policy? And please, no ‘cuz China is stupid, lol’ comments. I’d like to get to the bottom of this little mystery, even if the above statement makes logical sense.
[UPDATE 3/25/2009: I was able to talk to some industry folks with more insight into this issue about China's objection to skeletons. The response I received was that China is an atheist country and undead skeletons "presupposes an afterlife." Interesting.]
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