12 Vintage Video Games That Wouldn’t Be Made Today
These 12 vintage video games included themes, designs, or content that would not meet today’s industry standards.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Some older video games pushed limits that would not be acceptable by modern developers. Whether due to violence, stereotypes, or outdated ideas, these games reflect how much the gaming world has changed. Many are now viewed as controversial or inappropriate by today’s expectations.
1. Custer’s Revenge (1982)
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
This adult-themed game was released for the Atari 2600 and quickly became one of the most criticized titles in gaming history. The player controls a naked General Custer who must dodge arrows to reach a tied-up woman. The game was widely condemned for promoting sexual violence. Today, no major developer would consider making a game with this concept.
2. Night Trap (1992)
Connor McManus on Pexels
Night Trap was a full-motion video game that used real actors and live-action scenes. It featured teenage girls being stalked by vampire-like creatures in a house. Critics at the time believed it was too suggestive and violent for young audiences. Today, its gameplay may seem tame, but its format and theme would not match modern content guidelines for teen-focused games.
3. Postal (1997)
Running with Scissors on Wikimedia Commons
Postal was a top-down shooter where the player goes on a killing spree in a suburban setting. It drew backlash for encouraging random violence against civilians. The game became part of a larger debate over violent video games in the 1990s. Modern publishers avoid this kind of theme due to concerns over mass violence and social responsibility.
4. Leisure Suit Larry (1987)
Sierra On-Line on Wikimedia Commons
This series followed a man trying to meet women in exaggerated and often inappropriate ways. It relied heavily on adult humor and sexual content to attract attention. While it was seen as edgy in the past, the portrayal of women would be seen as shallow and outdated today. A game like this would not pass the current standards of respectful character design.
5. Manhunt (2003)
Rockstar Games on Wikimedia Commons
Manhunt involved stealth and graphic violence, with players using brutal methods to eliminate enemies. The game was banned in several countries and sparked heavy criticism for its extreme content. Though technically well made, its tone and level of gore would be harder to approve today. Most modern games avoid this level of real-world brutality.
6. Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball (2003)
James Everett on Wikimedia Commons
This spin-off of the Dead or Alive series focused on female characters playing volleyball and relaxing on an island. It was known more for character appearance than for gameplay depth. While it was marketed as fun and lighthearted, many saw it as objectifying. Games today face more pressure to treat characters, especially women, with balance and respect.
7. Kaboom! (1981)
Activision on Wikimedia Commons
In Kaboom!, the player catches bombs dropped by a criminal called the “Mad Bomber.” The game was simple, but the theme of catching explosives in urban settings has become more sensitive in recent years. With growing awareness of domestic terrorism, developers now avoid casual treatments of bomb threats. A similar game today would likely feature a different setting and tone.
8. Carmageddon (1997)
Stainless Software on Wikimedia Commons
This racing game awarded points for running over pedestrians during a race. It sparked outrage in multiple countries and was even banned or censored in several regions. The idea of mixing vehicles and violence against civilians is highly controversial. Developers today would not use this design due to public safety concerns and changing moral expectations.
9. Ethnic Cleansing (2002)
tamingtheaibeast.org on Wikimedia Commons
This game was developed by a hate group and promoted racist themes, targeting minorities with violent missions. It was never part of the mainstream market and was condemned immediately upon release. The game is now used as an example of how dangerous media can spread harmful ideas. No legitimate studio would allow a project like this to happen today.
10. Beat ‘Em & Eat ‘Em (1982)
Messhof on Wikimedia Commons
This adult game featured crude graphics and an explicit theme, with players controlling characters who catch fluids from a rooftop. It was released during the early, unregulated days of gaming. It received strong criticism for its graphic content and lack of meaningful gameplay. It would not be accepted today in any mainstream gaming platform.
11. Thrill Kill (Canceled, 1998)
Tripwire Interactive on Wikimedia Commons
Thrill Kill was a four-player fighting game known for its dark setting and violent moves. It was finished but canceled before release due to concerns over its content. The game featured graphic scenes and disturbing characters. It became a cult legend, but its violent tone makes it unlikely to be revived in today’s market.
12. Chiller (1986)
Bluefire272 on Wikimedia Commons
Chiller was an arcade game where players used a light gun to shoot helpless victims in a torture chamber. It was designed as a horror game, but many found it disturbing and without moral purpose. It was banned or pulled from many arcades shortly after its release. The idea of harming unarmed people in a torture setting is unacceptable in current game design.