MotorStorm Game Yanked In New Zealand After Earthquake - WTF

[OmegaFenix]

MotorStorm: Apocalypse is an upcoming racing game that features buildings falling down all around you. In the wake of a devastating earthquake in the city of Christchurch, that's apparently resulted in the game no longer being released in New Zealand.

We've been told retailers began notifying pre-ordering customers yesterday, saying that while the decision has been made now out of respect for those affected by the earthquake — which has killed over 100 people — Sony may revisit the matter in the future when it's a bit less sensitive.

These reports have been made by customers, and have not yet been confirmed by Sony. We're reaching out to the publisher for confirmation, and will update if we hear back.

Source: Kotaku

Now I may only be a ignorant gamer but can someone explain to me why they are pulling the game? I mean its not like its going to cause earth quakes, or is that the next thing we are going to blame video-games for; natural disasters.

 

[Voicy]

I don't think they're concerned about placing blame on anything, but given the content it's a rather sensitive current affair.

The same happened when the movie Spiderman was going to be released showing him spinning a web between the WTC towers and catching a chopper. Post production and pre release, 9/11 occured, so the movie was delayed and the scene pulled.

I don't blame the company for not releasing it in NZ - especially during ongoing search & rescue operations. They'd otherwise just be seen as a money hungry soulless corporation. I'm not saying they're not, but this is a very good PR stunt as well to build customer support via empathy.

 

[OmegaFenix]

I don't think they're concerned about placing blame on anything, but given the content it's a rather sensitive current affair.

The same happened when the movie Spiderman was going to be released showing him spinning a web between the WTC towers and catching a chopper. Post production and pre release, 9/11 occured, so the movie was delayed and the scene pulled.

I don't blame the company for not releasing it in NZ - especially during ongoing search & rescue operations. They'd otherwise just be seen as a money hungry soulless corporation. I'm not saying they're not, but this is a very good PR stunt as well to build customer support via empathy.

If there was just a massive earth quake here i would seriously not be phased by a game, a racing game, in which apocalyptic scenes are depicted... then again im special so it could just be me who doesn't get this.

 

[Voicy]

If there was just a massive earth quake here i would seriously not be phased by a game, a racing game, in which apocalyptic scenes are depicted... then again im special so it could just be me who doesn't get this.

Therein lies the answer to your question.

 

[DenSweeP]

I agree with the decision. It might not make sense to many gamers, but this is about overall impressions and trying to sell the game now in that area might seem insensitive.

Besides, if there was a massive earthquake here, I somehow reckon that buying a game would probably not be on your list of priorities?

 

[OmegaFenix]

I agree with the decision. It might not make sense to many gamers, but this is about overall impressions and trying to sell the game now in that area might seem insensitive.

Besides, if there was a massive earthquake here, I somehow reckon that buying a game would probably not be on your list of priorities?

You would be surprised.... but mostly coz I wouldn't be in the country...