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BioWare: Sex scene controversy 'interesting'

Monday, 12 May 2008 15:28
This long-faced fellow wasn't happy with Fox News' coverage of the sex scene scandal, and neither was EA
BioWare has said the controversy sparked by Fox News way back in January was an "interesting experience".

Speaking at a recent Electronic Arts press event, Ray Muzyka, BioWare chief executive, said: "At the end of the day, we're proud of the content in the game. It's all appropriate for the rating that's been assigned, the Mature rating, and it's got adult themes.

"It's very tasteful, but it is an emotionally intense scene, and there's a number of similarly emotional scenes in the game, not just romances but across the board - different relationships between characters."

"I see videogames as an ... emergent art form. They're ... commercial ... but they're still art regardless. And the good thing I think is the fact that people are talking about that kind of scene; it had an impact on them.

"It proves that videogames are an art form and proves that Mass Effect is an innovator in that. It's in some ways leading the way and willing to push the envelope a little bit and actually deliver stuff that's really compelling," Mr Muzyka concluded.

The controversy was initially roused by the Fox News channel, whose coverage of the console launch of Mass Effect was deemed to contain "a number of errors and misstatements" by Electronic Arts.

The coverage indicated that the game included "full digital nudity and sex", while a voiceover claimed players could engage in "graphic sex". Reports later suggested that the game was being marketed to children and teenagers.

Electronic Arts criticised the coverage, stating: "As video games continue to take audiences away from television, we expect to see more TV news stories warning parents about the corrupting influence of interactive entertainment. But this represents a new level of recklessness."


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