Controversial High School Dxd Game Ads Yanked In Uk After Public Outcry on OnlyLikeFans

High School DxD Ads Pulled in UK

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has flagged and removed a series of ads promoting a game based on the beloved anime High School DxD. The game, titled High School D×D Operation Paradise Infinity, had its ads banned after the ASA deemed them suggestive and accused them of harmful gender stereotypes.

These ads, crafted by Japanese gaming giant CTW Inc., depicted characters that seemed underage and included provocative phrases like "gentlemen's harem" and "boobtastic." The ASA argued that these elements combined nudity and sexualized imagery to objectify characters, ultimately breaching the UK's advertising standards.

CTW Inc. Responds to ASA Ruling

CTW Inc. defended its intent, clarifying that the ads were meant to reflect the anime's playful tone. The term "harem," they explained, is integral to the series, while "boobtastic" was a light-hearted English translation of a Japanese comedic trope. However, the company acknowledged the cultural mismatch, admitting that such expressions might not translate well globally.

“We understand these terms were perceived differently in the UK,” a representative stated, “and we’ll refine our advertising content to better align with international standards.”

In light of the backlash, CTW Inc. has committed to adjusting its review processes to ensure future ads adhere to the UK's CAP Code.

Global Shift in Content Regulation

The ASA's decision is part of a broader shift towards stricter content control in the UK, particularly following the introduction of the Online Safety Act. This legislation aims to protect minors by enforcing stricter content regulations across adult platforms, including anime and manga.

This trend isn't limited to the UK, as similar legislative efforts are underway in the United States. Notably, Senate Bill 20 (SB-20) seeks to criminalize depictions of minors in obscene, non-photorealistic media, encompassing animations and AI-generated images.

With regulatory landscapes tightening worldwide, companies are under mounting pressure to modify their content to meet evolving cultural and legal standards.