Anime game forced to hide every character as Apple says it’s “potentially offensive”

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An iOS version of a popular Japanese game temporarily replaced its character designs with silhouettes after Apple determined some of the original artwork could be seen as offensive. Developers had to quickly remove detailed artwork to keep the game available on Apple devices.

According to Automaton, problems began in August when an update for the mobile game Twinkle Star Knights wasn’t approved by Apple. Apple pointed out issues with some of the game’s images and animations, and a second revised version was also rejected. Reviewers suggested that artwork used when the game first launched in 2023 might need to be changed.

Apple’s App Store has strict rules against content that’s sexually suggestive, excessively violent, or generally offensive. This often means games with character designs focused on appealing to fans – often called ‘gacha’ titles – are reviewed very carefully.

Gacha game turns characters into shadows to comply with Apple

Okay, so the publisher had to apologize to us iOS players. They quickly threw up a limited cloud version while they tried to fix the graphics, but Apple still didn’t like how it looked. Seriously, they completely redesigned a bunch of the female characters, and Apple still said the game broke their rules. It’s super frustrating!

App Store審査で警告された『ティンクルスターナイツ』、キャラたちが黒塗りになる―表現修正ゆえに

— インサイド (@INSIDEjp) November 12, 2025

After over two months of working to fix the issue, developers have released a quick fix. Approved artwork now displays correctly, but any pieces still being edited are shown as solid black shapes.

It’s unusual, but some game developers have found a way to get their games approved by the App Store: they temporarily replace actors with stand-ins, then release the game. Surprisingly, this tactic works, and the game remains available for download.

Honestly, I’m still waiting to see when they’ll add those Twinkle Star Knights – I’m really hyped for them! But for now, the game’s still up on the App Store and Google Play, though it definitely doesn’t feel as amazing as it used to be. It’s a bit of a watered-down version of what it once was, sadly.

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2025-11-14 14:49