I know a lot of people complain about censorship (or the lack of it), so I always wondered why devs don't just put out two choices. If they're able to censor things, surely they're able to leave in the original content, right?

I never saw the point in censorship. Will games seriously get damaged if they leave in some inappropriate things here and there?

Well, it depends on whether or not we're talking about self-censorship.Germany is more strict than other European countries in regards to violence, so sometimes they censor the game in all of Europe to avoid having multiple versions. Japan, despite many people's perception, is actually stricter too when it comes to censorship than North America. For example, Ninja Gaiden Sigma for the PS3 is only uncensored in North America.

There is a rating system. Which covers things like kids playing something they shouldn't so after the sale it's out of the devs hands. Then there is the questionable/moral content. MW2 being the big one I guess. But it added an option to skip that part.

I don't think I've played any other games with as inappropriate as that moment, not played Manhunt but that entire game is inappropriate but that's what the rating system is for.

EIT: Thinking, this lacks context. Normals games it's you vs guys trying to kill you (or in say Hitman, you role is the main aspect) but if the game makes you do something considered morally corrupt like in MW2, then it's questionable.

Well it depends on if you're referring to REAL censorship or localization. Most people I see confuse the two

99% of the time people confuse censoship with localization. Something maybe more accepted in one culture but not accepted the same way or found offensive in another culture. There is also a ratings system and what in Japan says is ok for kids the US may say it's only ok for teens. It's not  a new thing at all. Some people are just now exposed to it and freak out. It's been in gaming since the 80s and not just from Nintendo. Everyone does it. Sony,SEGA,Nintendo,Square,Capcom,MS etc etc. Sony changed alcohole in Grandia on PS1 to Coffee and SEGA changed Alcohol in Skies of Arcadia to Loqua. Sony recently made a indie developer change the name of a game called Bombing Bastards. On Wii U retained the name. I think they did it thinking of PAL territories but not sure. Anyhoo. I don't mind much if it doesn't affect the game itself. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE. People made a fuss but none of the changes hurt the game. yeah wedding dress was a lazy attempt but it's in the game for 90 seconds.

IF the hypothetical scenario that you are referring to is actually in regards to censorship:

The reason, they won't, almost all the time, give two options is because that would literally undermine the reason they censor a game in the first place: to not have that content published.

" If they're able to censor things, surely they're able to leave in the original content, right?"
I mean... yeah? That really doesn't make any sense to ask.

That's almost like someone saying, "I don't like this thread she made. If she were able to make this thread then surely she could have not made this thread, right?"

Of course they can be left in, but that is why there is censorship, so the ratings of games will stay at a level they want it to be.

Ratings definitely can hurt game sales, so they definitely can be damaged

Blame Australian politicians/ratings board.

Well I'm all for different regions having different versions, but that would lead to several negative side effects.

1) multiplayer incompatibility, drastically decreasing the active multiplayer userbase of a game.
2) separate patches for each version. Keep in mind that one patch on 360/PS3 used to cost $40,000 for devs
3) consumers feeling ripped off when other regions get better versions
4) smaller issue, but separate achievement/trophy lists that kinda defeats the purpose

I think games should give you a wider range of options to remove swearing, excessive gore and nudity. Then with the right system these games could be accessible to a wider range of people.

Optional Censorship is good