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Toys ‘R’ Us apparently doesn’t know what ‘Duke Nukem Forever’ is about
Update: 10 a.m. Wednesday: response from Toys “R” Us has been added to this blog entry.
Long-time video game players know that the long-awaited video game “Duke Nukem Forever” is part of a series of games that are unapologetically rude, crude and filled with sexist humor and naughty words. Duke is meant to be a parody of action heroes, but his visits to strip clubs and gleeful violent streak is not exactly something you’d want to show off to young kids.
Apparently, retailer Toys “R” Us hasn’t played it because featured prominently in its Sunday circular (and an e-mail newsletter I received) is an ad for the game, along with an action figure you can get at the store.
Ironically, the deal is featured just a few inches below the retailer’s slogan, “Where KIDS are a big deal!”
Let’s hop over to the ESRB, The Entertainment Software Rating Board and its web site for video games, and see what’s in the game, which debuted today:
The game, according to the ESRB, contains, “Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol.” (Incidentally, it’s not scoring well with reviewers.)
A lengthier ratings summary includes more in depth descriptions which I can’t even reprint in this space. You can read it here. (Warning: bad language, lots of sex.)
Nice one, Toys “R” Us. I know the retailer sells video games of all stripes, but I thought it was supposed to be a no-no to directly market M-Rated games (and movies, for that matter) to kids.
Update: We received this response from Toys “R” Us via e-mail:
Toys”R”Us offers a large assortment of video games, including some “M” rated games to accommodate our avid video game customer base. The game is clearly labeled by the ESRB as an “M” rated game, and is generally merchandised behind glass. Additionally, when customers purchase the game, they are asked for identification, allowing our employees to verify that the customer is over 18 years old.
(End of update)
The video blogger below doesn’t seem to mind, but then he’s probably old enough to play the game.
Thoughts? Post them in the comments.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment Categories: Internet, Shopping, Videogames
Comments
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By James
June 16, 2011 12:38 AM | Link to this
I am playing The Witcher 2, a game with decidely adult content. The difference is that it is a very good game. It isn't for kids, but the "adult" content in it isn't vile, or nasty, or just plain yucky. I don't feel like I need to wash my hands after handling the mouse...
By Susan
June 15, 2011 3:28 PM | Link to this
Dear parents, learn to parent your children. Talk to them about sex, violence, profanity and illicit substances. Kids are pretty good at making good decisions when they are informed. Also, before you decide to have children, know what you're getting yourself into. Children throw temper tantrums, will just learn to be sneaky when told "NO." without reason (ie. their just going to go to their cool friends house to play/watch what you told them they couldn't), ect. and will eventually will live in the real world someday. Why not prepare them for it now? Because really this whole bubble wrapping our kids phenomenon isn't healthy, productive or normal. PS. It's normal to tell your kids "No".
By David Wright
June 15, 2011 12:17 PM | Link to this
I don't see a problem with them advertising it in the circular, though I'd have to see the whole page to see where exactly it's placed. But along with other video games, many of which are probably also geared towards older people, I don't see any issues.
What I DO HAVE a problem with, however, is that the Toys R Us website doesn't even begin to say exactly WHY the game is rated M. I think there should be some explanation as to what parents should expect from this game so they can make a more informed decision on buying it.
I know a lot of parents don't have an issue with buying violent games, but might take issue with sex in games (though I don't quite understand that logic, but to each their own). The website should more clearly indicate what takes place in the game, because I'm pretty sure if most parents knew what this game showed, they'd never buy it for their kids.
By Bamph
June 15, 2011 7:43 AM | Link to this
Although DNF is rated M, and is advertised, I still see toy guns, toys with guns, and otherwise violent toys sold and advertised to kids without any regret... why should this video game be any different. It's not like they're making a commercial for it and cramming it down the kids' throats during sugar breakfast time. They put it in a newspaper ad.