Amazon pulls Japanese rape simulator from shelves

Did I wander into some weird parallel universe again?

A US merchant on a US based site sells imported copies of a Japanese video game. Customers of said site dislike the game so much that they complain. The people responsible for running the site decide that it's not really worthwhile to go on carrying said game, since people are complaining about it, and use their veto power over what their merchants may carry to take it down from the site. After the fact, a British paper decides that the incident is apparently of international importance (or are really stuck for interesting stories) and reports on it in Britain.

Now how in the heck does some British politician named Vaz and the entire British Parliament get involved again? More importantly, is there no way to punish people like Vaz for criminal misuse of government time?

Of course, who am I to complain? Members of the US congress decided they needed to take time out a session in order to issue a response to remarks made by some radio talk show host.

Politicians really need to be introduced to blogs. It is, after all, a match made in heaven. Nobody reads blogs, nobody listens to politicians. Blogs would give them a nice, cheap way to have their opinions ignored, so they can do real work during their paid hours. Oh, I see the problem now! ;)

Ugh, it really is Friday, in'it?

You can't buy the kind of advertising.....

....an "outraged" politician gets you.

That title just went from obscure to very probably awesomely well seeded on PB....

And sure enough, after a quick look...

475 seeders with almost 1300 leechers, way to go politician guy, barely anyone would have touched it originally, now everyone will want to cheggit out and see what the fuss is about.

Wow a non-issue for non-people. Just don't buy it, m'okay?

Anyone over the age of 18 getting his/her knickers in a twist about simulo-rape by cel-animated 2D protagonists should seek out the next psychiatrist's couch as he/she has clearly been a victim of grooming by the pink mental rays coming out of politician's behinds whenever they are looking for easily sellable ideas to divert from any real problems coming our way.

So how is the financial meltdown coming?

Double Standards

Same old same old.

You can simulate hacking people to pieces with axes, blasting their brains out with guns, running them over with cars and it's all good (because that's just violence) but as soon as sex comes into then suddenly it's deemed offensive.

Ban GTA , too.

This is stupid.

I mean, really, what happened to freedoms?

Oh, that's right ...you are on "that side" of the pond.

ban this sick filth to fail to avoid chilling effects

Seán has a point there. Games such as Battle Raper 2, the others mentioned in the article, and countless fetish-oriented doujin (amateur-published) hentai works are pretty disagreeable, undoubtedly.

When lines start to be drawn in the sand, that is when I start to feel uneasy. Rape simulators are bad, we can probably all agree. Next on the list, however, could be murder simulators.

(e.g. potentially any FPS/semi-realistic shooter)

I won't stand for the thin end of the wedge; the next thing you know, the cat will have the cream and the only two potential things to look out for will be arsenic and icing sugar.

Played it.

It's not very good. The CG isn't exactly the best drawn in the world and because it's Japanese based, there's loads of censoring. Plus, the English translations leave a lot to be desired, I spent about 3 minutes on 1 frame trying to decipher the Engrish.

tbh, if you want to have a wank, just watch porn. It looks better, it's uncensored and you don't have to keep fumbling your mouse with your left hand to click continue.

Of course!

The removal of such a game is a most grievious assault on your rights and freedoms.

Why, we really ought to be having /truly/ free speech, and let any warped bugger spew forth with dubious titilations -- just so, if anything, we will finally draw a line in the sand, between liberty and libertarianism.

@oh dear [random chance and evolution]

Said underware has been illegal for years. Update your tabloid based knowledge of Japan.

Only reason no one wants yank/brit girls underware is they don't want some guys jizz all over their nose or skids.

(hey I've been ushering the 1234567890 event ~~ wee bit tipsy)

sounds like austin wants a job with aunty beeb

Sort of article I would expect to read on the Communist Broadcasting Politburo (formerly BBC) or on some tripe like iVillage

Rape is wrong yes, we hear that all the time from stasi commander jacqui, murder is taken to be worse in law, so why do we have a "sex offenders register" ( <- biggest piece of feature creep EVER ) and no "life takers register"?

Answer - murder can be ok'd by the church for "religious defence/holy war/jihad"...rape...well unless your a catholic priest its a sin as is sex generally.

Frankly this country is still 1 step from being christian Iran and I'm surprised pastor brown and stasi Smith havent pushed us over that step yet along with "morons against porn" - "women don't like hard sex, they only like fluffy soft love making" <- My wife burst into peals of laughter reading that quote from them...and then said "so clearly I'm not a real woman since I actually prefer hard sex to that soft romantic crap"

Is El Reg looking for a buyout by MSM? or have senior management decided on a realignment of views towards the "religious mainstream"?

to reiterate...crap article full of kneejerk opining

Keith Vaz

The fact that the sorry excuse for an MP Keith Vaz has jumped on the predictable outrage-train almost makes me want to condone selling this. Almost, but not quite. Despite the low regard in which I hold Keith Vaz and all his opportunistic bullshit I have to admit that this sort of stuff needs sanction.

Frankly, my only reason for submitting this comment is that I saw Keith Vaz's name in the article. Sorry, but I can't help myself expressing how much I despise his complete disregard for fundamental principles. He represents the very worst that New Labour (or any party) has to offer.

Ok, it's late and I'm rambling, feel free to moderate this out.

@Of course

Yes, we should certainly ban this game and draw a "line in the sand".

Whilst we're at it, let's ban books that advocate:

1) Stoning your children to death for being unruly.

2) Cut off the noses and ears and ears of promiscuous women, then burning them in fire and taking their children and stripping them naked.

3) Forcing a victim of rape to marry the man who raped her.

4) Killing a prostitute if you get her pregnant.

5) Killing every man, woman and child in a community if they don't believe what you do.

6) The cutting off of a woman's hands for touching her husband's genitals when trying to protect him from an attacker.

7) Offering your virgin daughters to a mob to stop them killing your guests

8) Being willing to murder your son because someone tells you to do it.

9) Having children torn to death by bears for laughing at a man's bald head.

10) Producing offspring with your widowed sister-in-law (and then being killed for refusing)

Guess which Book these all come from...

How can such things be allowed in print?

Surely we must draw a Line in the Sand against such things!

This is what happens without BOFH

Yup. Too long since a good BOFH story, blokes get bored. Idle hands, and all.

Paris, idling.

@Graham Marsden

"9) Having children torn to death by bears for laughing at a man's bald head."

What's wrong with that? Cheeky little sods!

Vaz

It's actually quite sad- many years ago Keith Vaz had his bones replaced, Wolverine style, with a highly powerful bandwagon-seeking magnet- the poor guy can't help it.

Now looking forward to a week of lip-licking moral outrage from the British press, complete with web links to high res screenshots in the Sun, just so readers can see what might not have shocked them had they not reported on it in graphic detail.

Obviously this stuff sells ... and what does THAT mean?

I''m guessing that Illusion would not create this game unless there was a market for it and I'm still not sure what to do with this information: there are people willing to pay real cash money for the chance to rape schoolgirls in a videogame. Not relive- my- 14-year-old- consensual- fumblings- with- a- 13-year-old- cheerleader games, but rape. Not blowing the other guy up (before he kills me) as an act of war to save the Kingdom (or whatever the "plot" is), but raping a schoolgirl for no discernible good reason. Not barrelling my supercar down a sidewalk to escape/ evade "them" and accidentally mowing down a bystanding grandma as collateral damage, but taking time to engage in the deliberate act of dragging down a schoolgirl and raping her. The problem seems larger than this one particular game, no?

Rape and Murder

People often ask why rape is considered worse than murder. I have a theory about this. Most of us, I think have at some time wanted to kill somebody. We probably never seriously considered doing it, but I think it's safe to say that nearly everyone has at least wished someone dead. Likewise we know what rage feels like. Most of us have probably even struck another person in anger at some point.

So, in a way, it's not that hard to identify with a murderer. They seem human at least. But most of us -- I hope -- have never wanted to rape anyone. So we can't understand anyone who would. They're monstrous, alien and presumably evil.

That may also explain why games where you kill people are very popular while games where you rape people are not. For me personally, that latter just doesn't hold any appeal. But I'm not prepared to brand anyone who might enjoy pretend rape a monster. As long as they keep it strictly fantasy I figure it's none of my business.

And even though I wouldn't miss rape games if they were outlawed, I can't think of any compelling reason why someone who does en enjoy them shouldn't be allowed to. Besides, something I like could be next.

@Played it by AC

Use your left hand, it frees up your right hand for the mouse and also makes it feel like someone else is doing it. How can you not know that, your not a Banker are you?

That's what a left hand looks like.

Why marked NSFW ???

There's nothing explicit in the article !

> Amazon has blocked sales of a [b]sick[/b] Japanese PC game

C'mon El Reg, you're above such Daily Wail nonsense. Remove the 's' word and we might get closer to some proper journalism.

life takers register

> so why do we have a "sex offenders register" and no "life takers register"?

Bloody good point, my man ! Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. Surely the taking of life is [b]the[/b] #1 crime ?

And while we're at it, how about a "mental thugs register" and "psychotic neighbours from hell register", too ?

Can see this being used

in court as a grand theft auto style defense.

Not sure

of the reality of this statement - no facts or figures to back them up... But doesn't Japan have like a really low rape / violent offence - er, history, like the lowest in the civilised world. Maybe, by allowing weirdoes and sickoes (no offense to the w&s brigade), to indulge in their fantasies in a safe virtual environment it lessens their need to to do it in the real actual world.

Just a thought.

very strange..

And yet, Amazon will sell games where murder and violence are the only activity.

So, either they are completely devoid of conscience, or this is a Politically-correct type of action.

In that case, it is a good place to ask why is men murdering men considered OK in our society.

the LORD

Good point Graham

Perhaps a rape-simulator game would be ok if the protagonist was Jesus.

He couldn't waste his seed though, so I supposed there'd have to be a little cup or something.

Ever heard of the Streisand Effect?

I am sure many more copies will now be sold/downloaded than otherwise...

@Pete "oranges" B

<QUOTE>

...how in the heck does some British politician named Vaz and the entire British Parliament get involved again?

</QUOTE>

I believe how it goes is like this. Some press man gets a good contentious story. He looks through his little black book of rent-a-quotes for someone to call. Ah, Keith Vaz. Dial. Ring Ring. He relates the story and asks for an opinion and doesn't he think something should be done? "Oh absolutely. Truly disgusting." Click. Cue/Queue/Whatever outrage. Moves onto next scandalous story. Whether anything actually does get done is another matter. Its possible the press man never even spoke to Vaz at all, merely an underling.

Another version of the story

RapeLay was doing badly in Japan because, well, it was crap. Forget the storyline, the graphics and gameplay and everything else was shite. So the writers arranged for some copies to go on Amazon in the uk, let word slip out and the Japanese press is now loving the controversy and sales are on the up.

Keith Vaz, the best thing that ever happenned to poorly drawn porn.

@ Chris C

Question: "Why are we psychologically opposed to rape but not to murder, especially in a society which largely considers casual sex an acceptable act (thereby eliminating the "sex is sacred" defense)?"

Answer: FEMINISM.

<runs away before a Moderatrix smacks me over the head with a modstick>

just the way it works

Fake murder video game = good clean fun.

Fake rape video game = evil

Not sure how to explain that one rationally.

I know if I discovered a friend was into games like that ... they'd quickly cease to become a friend.

Maybe its because rape an molestation happen far more often in real life than senseless murder?

I've always wondered

Why "rape" (ie a few minutes of having sex with someone against their will) is considered to be a crime far more heinous than murder (ie taking someones life away permanently)

So, it's OK to have games depicting the violent, bloody, senseless murders of countless strangers but if you add to that simulated sex with a fake cartoon character in a fictional rape scenario and every one is all OMG, THE HORROR, THE HORROR.

Now, I'm not for one minute condoning rape, but bugger me if that isn't a case of screwed up priorities.

PNFHR

That's a bloody brilliant idea, forget all the sex offenders stuff, we need a Psychotic Neighbour from Hell Register. I hate it when you move in to a nice place only to have the neighbours kill your cat, then call animal protection on you when you have a sick dog...

@Did I wander into some weird parallel universe again?

Well, if you recall, those are the same people who thought "cake" was some kind of new experimental drug and also brought up in parliament.

http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm199596/cmhansrd/vo960723/text/60723w10.htm#60723w10.html_wqn10

Of course, as we all know, the cake is a lie:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass_Eye#Original_1997_series

Vaz

Remind me why he had to resign as a minister last time? Oh yes, snout in the trough like the rest of the whiter than fucking white Bliars.....

Game should be banned, just fucking hate Vaz even more!!!

Games and simulations

I have to confess:

My gaming is confined to Freecell - it's the only one I can really manage, though I have occasionally had a go at ShisenSho.

I once managed a whole game of Freecell without having to put a single card in the reserve - is this a record?

State Sponsored Activities vs The Private Activity

In answer to those of you who have pondered the lack of a 'Killers Register' to go alongside the Sex-Offenders Register, or have questioned why a 'murder simulator' (ie. an FPS) is acceptable when a 'rape simulator' is not:

Simply put, war is not murder - or, at least, that is what governments would have you believe.

When the state sanctions an activity, it is then permissible to carry out that activity. the US, for example, had no issue whatsoever with the use of 'Shock & Awe' in Iraq, Agent Orange and Napalm in Vietnam, or the use of Nuclear weapons on Japan at the end of WW2. Games depiciting the use of such weapons are common-place and no one in 'the establishment' bats an eyelid over them.

In all of these games the common theme is often that your character is one authorised to take action on behalf of the ruling body. That means you can do what you like with impunity (Does this remind anyone of the absolutions given to crusaders *before* they murdered whole cities of people?) - Indeed, this theme extends beyond computer games and right into mainstream films and media (24: Jack Baeur? Tortures someone every coupla hours and ignores the law to 'get a result' constantly - thats fine, he's a good guy - defined as working for the government!?)

Now, consider the furore over the 'Manhunt', 'Bully' and 'GTA' game titles. Herein, the protagonists that you play and encounter in the game are *not* state-authorised persons - they are 'outside of sanction' and not under 'official' control.

It's the same thing as the current ridiculous debate about drug classifications in the UK. Hundreds may die each year as a result of Class A drug abuse, its true, but THOUSANDS die from alcohol and nicotine abuse, ignoring the effects that such have on the functionality of society! Why the difference in treatment? Because one is state-sponsored and the other is not.

How about we compare badger-baiting, hare-coarsing and fox-hunting? The first two are clearly illegal, the third is 'under debate' and is a 'tradition'. Why? Well, take a look at the people who are in the 'countryside alliance' and like to kill foxes and who they are! The same people who want to ban your games, thats who!

This is about social division and political control - it's part of the model that governments since Thatcher have been actively pursuing. Don't be blind-sided by the smaller issue of one game. Look at the bigger issue and the patterns that emerge.

(hm. I may have rambled a bit there... I'll clear up any questions anyone has....)

BH, because its largely plausible.

Difference between Rape and Murder

How about:

Murder is over straight away. Otherwise it's not murder.

Some murderers torture people, but that's generally seen as a wholly separate topic and considered pretty awful in itself.

The effects of rape last a lifetime- some because they can't forget it, some because they're not allowed to forget it (hey, we've got counsellors to keep in a job!).

So just as taking pleasure as you peel the face off your target scooping out their eyeballs with a rusty spoon while they're still alive- is considered far worse than being shot in the head with an Hellfire missile, rape is considered worse than murder.

Also, I can't think of any reason you'd want to rape someone. Whereas there are a number of reasons to want to murder someone- get them off your back, get them out of your life, they've threatened you, etc. So as someone said above, you can't relate to the rapist- whereas you can relate to- and in some cases commend- the murderer.

@John Bishop - female pov

As Adam Foxton said, it's more accurate to equate rape with torture than with murder. Typically rapists get off on the violence not the sex, and try to ensure that the victim suffers the maximum pain, fear, helplessness and humiliation. I'd rather be shot in the head (it's over quicker).

But personally, I'll play games where I shoot zombies, aliens or critters , but not people. The idea of a rape game makes me feel sick.

@AC 15th February 2009 22:17

"The awfulness of rape isn't 100% instinctive, people (men at least) need to be taught that it is wrong."

That statement says more about the way you think than you realise, unless it is a troll attempt.

It may not be instinctive to you (if you are male), in which case you need therapy mate, or you may not believe it to be instinctive based on the men you have known (if you are female), in which case I feel sorry for your bad experiences. However, your statement above is both ridiculous and self evidently not true.

That said, your point about needing the full force of the tabloid press is an astute observation on the way things are these days! Excellent remark, and right on the button about where we sadly seem to be heading.

Shame the politicos seem to be unable to tell fantasy from reality, and on that basis assume the rest of us can't, and have to be "protected" from it. (isn't it a sign of mental illness when someone can;t tell fantasy from reality?) I wouldn't want to play the game, I find the idea repulsive, however, I have this controversial solution - I won't buy it. There - no legislation needed at all. Every time something gets banned, it moves a step nearer banning you from doing something YOU want to do.

Minors shouldn't see it and there are already laws for that - enforce them before we go off on yet another nu labia legislation-o-thon.

That is all.

@Sooty

EXACTLY! Like I always say when the Daily Mail crowd get up in arms over some affront to their mindless middle-England sensibilities, "No such thing as bad publicity.". Just shut up about it! Being the vicarious and slimy race we are, making a fuss only makes more people interested in something they would otherwise never have heard of!

@AC 20:59 13th February 2009

" Labour MP Keith Vaz has no idea how the Amazon marketplace works."

Too much information old son.

Just say "" Labour MP Keith Vaz has no idea."

See? More succinct yet (even more) accurate.

No SA fans?

Something Awful sent this game up back in 2007:

"Another one of the fun features in RapeLay is that you can really let your creative run wild and invite three of your best creepy friends to assist you in you rape. No, I'm not talking Internet multiplayer, it's more of a rape hot seat where three other dudes crowd around your victim and you create some weird geometric rape-prism. Like the cover of that Pink Floyd album, only with rapes."

http://www.somethingawful.com/d/hentai-game-reviews/rapelay.php

I once played a game ...

where you stole cars, ran people over, killed the police, used hookers, made money from crime and were let out of jail after paying "bribes" and handing over your weapons.

So what's the problem with this one?

@Richard

> Cheeky little sods!

Hit a nerve did I, baldy?

;-)

Government sponsored

Steve Swann wrote:

"It's the same thing as the current ridiculous debate about drug classifications in the UK. Hundreds may die each year as a result of Class A drug abuse, its true, but THOUSANDS die from alcohol and nicotine abuse, ignoring the effects that such have on the functionality of society! Why the difference in treatment? Because one is state-sponsored and the other is not."

Presumably you equate "state sponsored" with "tax-generating"? Any government that banned tobacco would soon find itself unable to pay its law enforcement organisations - or its politicians' pensions!

I've got bootleg cigarettes in the pocket - ofcourse I'm not stupid enough to smoke them myself, but they're a nice little earner.

Re: sounds like austin wants a job with aunty beeb

why did i read this as autism wants a job?

What we have here is a failure to communicate....

So...

You walk into your teenage son's bedroom, expecting to find him either:

A) Masturbating

B) Playing World Of Warcraft

C) Listening to really crap music

D) All of the above

and instead you find him beating off as he 'rapes' a mother and her two daughters on screen.

Now what do you do?

From reading the comments on this board, it seems most of you would join in with him.

It strikes me that half of the guys on this board are fucking virgins. There's surely no way they can be parents. Because if they were, they would realise that, yes, while it's censorship blah blah fucking blah, SOME THINGS ARE JUST PLAIN SICK AND SHOULD BE BANNED.

And if you can't see that, you're as sick as sicko bastards that wrote this filth software.

What next? Fucking Holocaust Simulator? Toast your own Jew in 32 bit colour?

Jaysus there are some serious sickos on here. Glad I don't work with you.