the game rag

Earlier this week, UK electronics retailer Currys (owned by DSG International) made the announcement that they would not be selling Canis Canem Edit (Latin for Dog Eat Dog), or Bully as it's known in the states. They justified this decision by stating, "We're a family-friendly retailer. We don't think this game is appropriate for our stores and have decided not to stock it." Canis Canem Edit takes place in a fictional prep school called Bullworth academy, and lets players take control of a new student where, according to British magazine the The Sun, "Points are awarded for beating up other pupils, catapulting eggs, throwing stink bombs, setting off fire alarms and head-butting teachers."

Another of UK's leading retailers, PC World (also owned by DSG International), has acknowledged the danger this game could pose to its customers, and is joining the boycott of Bully. "We've all seen the news coverage. We know what the game is about. The last minute name change by Rockstar from Bully to 'Dog Eat Dog' isn't fooling anyone," said a representative of PC World. "Any claims that the game encourages players to stand up to bullies, attend class, and otherwise be a somewhat respectible member of society is unfounded. It has come to my attention that while attending science class, players learn how to make homemade napalm. Players are also forced to write a persuasive essay praising Hitler's Mein Kompf. We must all recognize that this game is not an appropriate item to sell, and it would be socially irresponsible to make it available for sale to minors."

Many news agencies in the UK, have already reported on Canis Canem Edit and its questionable subject matter. One news agency in particular though, has shed further light on Bully's content. An analysis by British magazine Lies and Speculation said, "The images and events produced by this game are an affront to civilization. Side missions, like dealing crack or systematically murdering all your teachers are meant to add replay value and the player is able to replenish health by taking massive doses of heroin. Also, it's about f*cking. The entire game is about f*cking."

For more information about the fantastic corporate responsibility exercised by DSG International, visit http://www.dsgiplc.com, and for a reply to inaccuracies from the research savvy writer of the UK Sun article, head to http://ps2.boomtown.net/en_uk/articles/art.view.php?id=12628