After the prudes kicked up a fuss about its raunchy advert the We Dare game has been pulled by Ubisoft and will no longer be released in the UK. (Though elsewhere in Europe it’s release will go ahead.)
The advert features such shocking behaviour as lesbian kisses, lap-dancing and bottom-spanking yet it still received a rather tame 12+ age rating. The game which does what it says on the tin is the electronic equivalent of the legendary party game truth or dare (for the Nintendo Wii.)
There's nothing wrong with encouraging a bit of fun (and let's be honest Wii game or no Wii game adults and children alike will always have an occasional cheeky game of truth or dare) and despite the adverts suggestions not everyone who plays will be brainwashed into spanking and kissing and even if they do what's the real harm?
The problem is that the game is clearly not designed for twelve year olds but more for 16+ but without the drugs, violence, gore etc, it would be hard for ratings councils to give it a higher rating.
Ubisoft have certainly used poor judgement in dishing out a suggestive trailer, but then they probably didn't expect such a low age rating.
Maybe we should stop ticking boxes and looking for obvious adult theme in games and have a more intelligent look at how a game is working and how it could affect youngsters. Or maybe we should just chill out and stop making a fuss out of everything and admit that maybe we are being a little reactive and overprotective.
What do you think?