ASA reprimands violent computer games ads
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has cracked down on computer games’ advertising, upholding complaints against three different games for being socially irresponsible.
Acclaim Entertainment’s Turok Evolution computer game company has had its knuckles rapped for using an image of a distressed-looking child with facial injuries. The child’s face has three lacerations across the forehead, eye and nose and a bruise on the forehead. The advertising watchdog has asked the company not to use the ad again.
The ASA has also ruled against Ubi Soft Entertainment’s ad for its computer game which uses the strapline: “Come and get it mutha fucker”. The ad shows a picture of a figure dressed in black, bloodstained clothing with buckles and straps.
MonsterMob, another computer company, has been reprimanded for condoning violence in its press ad for its mobile phone game called Torture Teddy. The ad shows a head of a cartoon teddy bear with its mouth wide open. The headline says: “Torture Teddy is the new game anyone with a mobile can play……….Kill Him!”
The ASA has ruled that the ad should be withdrawn and has asked MonsterMob to consult the Committee of Advertising Practice Copy Advice team before advertising the product again.
