Video Game Creates Controversy

We Dare, a controversial computer game to be released on the family-popular Nintendo Wii has aroused the ire of parents and politicians for its implicit sexual content.

The game which seems to involve spanking, partner-swapping and the use of handcuffs also encourages the players to act out a �flirty striptease'. Although this content is for adult players as the makers claim it to be, it has been awarded a 12+ certificate.

The director general of the Video Standards Council that had awarded the certificate, Laurie Hall justified the decision saying that a trailer for the game had more sexual content in it than the game itself. "There is no sexual activity," he said. "There is suggestion and innuendo if you're that way inclined but you don't actually see anything".

But the maker of the game, Ubisoft, had a different story to tell. It said that the game "offers a large variety of entertaining, sexy mini games for adults in a group setting," that included the possibility to "challenge your mates to a flirty striptease". A �Parental Discretion Advised' sticker has been added to keep parents informed.

Parents have been appalled by the 12+ certificate. As one parent remarks, ""This sort of computer game will only serve to fuel sexual tensions and in a worst case scenario sexual touching or assault. Imagine a room of testosterone-fuelled teenagers playing this; something could get out of hand. "

Keith Vaz, Labour M.P. has strongly objected to the release of the game without a proper investigation. "As a family friendly console, Wii must ensure that there are proper checks and a full consultation before games are graded for use by children. This game should not be released until these checks are made."

There have been plenty of party games introduced in video games consoles, but although they may have had brief sexual content, their focus, primarily, was on violence. This is the first time sexual content is the center of a family game.



Source: Medindia