Animal rights group PETA, which long ago mastered the art of using video game criticism to garner publicity for its cause, is at it again.
Kotaku reports today that PETA has targeted an upcoming 2K series based on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. A new campaign urges PETA supporters to petition publisher Take-Two to cancel planned circus games for the DS and Wii.
We've told Take-Two about Ringling Bros.' real-life, lengthy history of animal abuse and neglect and shown it undercover video footage of a standard industry training session, in which animal handlers used electric prods and bullhooks to gouge elephants in the most sensitive parts of their bodies.
Even though it knows that circuses are no fun for animals, Take-Two is still moving forward with its plan to create a Ringling Bros. Wii game. Please send a message to Take-Two CEO Ben Feder urging him to sever ties with Ringling Bros. Let him know that you'd rather play a game featuring a circus that does not beat animals for "entertainment."
In a follow-up report, Kotaku offers comment from Take-Two exec Alan Lewis:
As a matter of company policy, we don't comment on the business affairs of our licensors. We fully stand behind all of our products.
A Ringling Bros. spokesman contested PETA's allegations of animal abuse.
Comments
Re: PETA Snarls at Upcoming 2K Circus Games
Yes, those poor animals in games that never once, had a heart beat in the real world. Yes, those poor animals that will wimper, whine and such, as programmed by their coders.
Why isnt PETA, going after the World of Warcraft? How many animals did I have to kill to complete the cooking daily? Nine. For just two peices of chilled meat!
This is just another example of the organization trying to remain relevant to the political spectrum of US politics. Kinda of like Republicans these days...
Re: PETA Snarls at Upcoming 2K Circus Games
I think their point probably is to bring attention onto the real world cruelty that happens. Criticizing a game gets that point across nicely, even if the criticism seems kinda wacked. Personally, I reckon that if it works, what can be the harm? After all, it's not as if PETA is ever going to stop the publication of a game.
Re: PETA Snarls at Upcoming 2K Circus Games
Actually, they've already tried a "Save the Seals" event in World of Warcraft. GP Article here:
http://www.gamepolitics.com/2009/04/08/peta-plans-save-seals-event-world-warcraft
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Game on, brothers and sisters.
Re: PETA Snarls at Upcoming 2K Circus Games
I have to slaughter 20 bears or wolves just to get enough leather to tan, just to tailor a better piece of Medium armor on Lord of the Rings Online. I'm surprised they haven't turned their attention to Turbine.
Re: PETA Snarls at Upcoming 2K Circus Games
Eating grass makes people frustrated.
Re: PETA Snarls at Upcoming 2K Circus Games
Re: PETA Snarls at Upcoming 2K Circus Games
Take-Two to PETA: "You know that we make games in which people are shot, stabbed, and brutalized with plastic shopping bags right? Do you think we give half a shit if Dumbo takes a few thousand volts in the ass?"
-Ultimately what will do in mankind is a person's fear of their own freedom-
Re: PETA Snarls at Upcoming 2K Circus Games
PETA: *shrugs* oh that's ok, we don't give a **** about humans. Just don't shoot the attack dogs.
Re: PETA Snarls at Upcoming 2K Circus Games
What about werewolves? Where does PETA stand on the half-man, half-animal issue? For that matter, how much damage is Wolverine allowed to take before it becomes offensive? And should Taurens in WoW be afforded special protections? (I mean, further than being allowed to class as Shamans.)
Quite frankly I'm sick of PETA only focusing on the absolutes at the expense of part-animal hybrids. It's hybrid hypocricy!
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