If you're up on your gaming history you'll know Nintendo was once known for running a tight ship when it came to games about violence, adult situations and religious elements in games on the Nintendo platform. While Nintendo has certainly relaxed a lot of these rules for gaining license approval, it appears the Holocaust is still a no go subject for Nintendo of America.
Luc Benard, a 21 year old British game developer posted the details of his new game set for release on the Nintendo DS. Set during World War II, he discussed the Holocaust background along talking about how the Nazis torture children. Within hours the developer had been slammed by commenters.
"Disgusting concept. Some people have no shame," said one
"Pretty creepy." said another.
Titled 'Imagination is the Only Escape", you play the role of a young boy during the German occupation. His only escape from the horror is into a world of fantasy. Containing gruesome historical facts and dark graphic design, it falls far from the general titles we see on the Nintendo DS.
The game still seems to be set for release in Europe still, but Nintendo of America have blocked it's release. "At this time, there are no plans for this game to be released for any Nintendo platforms in North America," the company said in a statement.
While so far the general response to the game has been that of disgust, it appears Bernard is treating the topic with respect, and that the title had an educational basis behind it.
"I hope that young children will play it," he wrote in a blog comment in response to the slamming. Further more Bernard has commented
"There will be no on-screen violence in this product. I don't see war as a game. I don't find that amusing." during a telephone interview. Bernard went on to say that indeed his mother was Jewish and his maternal grandmother looked after orphaned Jewish children after World War II.
The Anti-Defamation League has taken a more cautious approach to the title though, saying that they can't judge whether it is in good taste or not as they haven't seen it in action. Myrna Shinbaum, spokeswoman for the Anti-Defamation League said "We certainly believe that we have to find new ways of teaching lessons of the Holocaust as new technologies are being developed,"
Has Luc Bernard crossed the line of what subjects should be made into games? Or is his game inviting people to discuss a topic a lot like to forget?
It's a touchy topic folks so please, if you do want to comment keep it civil and clean!
Source: New York Times
Submitted by Robtot
11/03/2008
18
4
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