Balan Wonderworld update will remove potential epilepsy trigger

Square Enix states ‘flashing lights’ sequence is a bug

Square Enix is rolling out a day-one update for Balan Wonderworld to remove a climactic sequence which features flashing imagery that has been deemed an epilepsy trigger.

During Balan Wonderworld‘s final boss encounter, a transition between attack sequences can trigger a rapid flash/strobing effect, which sees momentary frames of bright white fill the entire screen. Further investigation by players found that not all copies of Balan Wonderworld featured this effect, however, denoting the potentially harmful sequence as a bug, rather than an intentional design choice.

Square Enix has responded to players’ rightful concerns, confirming the bug and noting that the title’s day one patch will remove the flashing effect from the final release.

“Please ensure that you install the Day One Patch before playing Balan Wonderworld,” Square Enix said in a press statement. “We have received reports of a photo-sensitive epilepsy risk from a potential flashing bug if playing the game un-patched. The Day One Patch prevents this issue as well as enhances the overall play experience.”

Of course, there are already copies of Balan Wonderworld in the hands of reviewers, influencers, and other pre-release players, so Square really should’ve stepped up and removed the harmful bug as soon as the problem was noted. Regardless, if you are picking up Yuji Naka’s new adventure today, be sure to apply the launch update before you commence playing.

Please ensure that you install the Day 1 Patch before playing.

We have received reports of a photo-sensitive epilepsy risk from a potential flashing bug if playing the game un-patched.

The Day 1 Patch prevents this issue as well as enhances the overall play experience.

— Balan Wonderworld (@balanwworld) March 26, 2021