Adult Content In Gaming

revslow

Shared on Sat, 12/12/2009 - 00:23

Used games pose an interesting problem. While a great deal for consumers and for game stores, neither platform holders nor game developers/publishers make any money off of them. To encourage the purchase of new games some companies have come up with creative ways to market them.

"The Saboteur" has taken it to a whole new level. Buy the game new and you get a code for the "The Midnight Show" downloadable content. This DLC includes new hiding spots, a new minigame, and the ability to turn on in-game nudity. That's right, buy the game new and you can see virtual nakedness.

Of course if you do buy the game used, you can still purchase "The Midnight Show" DLC for three dollars, but that's the hook isn't it? Rather than the game being a complete experience, they are fractured now, so that publishers can ensure they get what they think is their share of the pie.

While this is nothing terribly new, using nudity in "Sabotuer" as marketing tool to sell new games really seems to be pushing it in a new direction.

So I'm curious, what's your thought? Is this low-brow marketing or simply giving consumers what they want? Or perhaps this opens up an opportunity to create new ways to regulate game content?

 

Comments

TexasDave67's picture
Submitted by TexasDave67 on Sat, 12/12/2009 - 07:45
I think this should be a eye opener for parents who still have this misconception that video games are harmless, even the "M" rated ones. I have The Saboteur, and the titties! I sent a couple of screenshots to my sister-in-law, who buys her 9yr old whatever he ask for, and this game is on his Christmas list..............not anymore LOL!! Personally, I think its a stupid marketing scheme, but if it brings any "parents" , I use that word loosely, out of the oblivian that all games are innocent, Im all for it. lol
Gatsu's picture
Submitted by Gatsu on Sat, 12/12/2009 - 08:29
I actually wrote up a presentation in my speech class about ratings on video games and what parents need to look out for. Even though most of the class was my age, I saw a lot more shocked faces than I thought I would when I explained what that M-rating could carry. People just really don't take 5 seconds to read the back of the box.
wamam87's picture
Submitted by wamam87 on Sat, 12/12/2009 - 12:11
i have mixed emotions on this. handled in the proper way, this could be something i approve of for common market. i see many problems for it though. most parents aren't involved enough in their kids gaming to police their own children.

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