MENLO PARK, August 30, 2006 (PodTech News) — Video game developer Rockstar Games, maker of the controversial Grand Theft Auto series, is causing quite a stir with its latest game, Bully. Jayne Hitchcock is president of Working to Halt Online Abuse, an activist group that has issued a statement opposing the game’s release. Justin Goldberg works with the National Coalition Against Censorship. PodTech’s Rio Pesino spoke with both of them for their thoughts on the game, and the important issues it raises for young consumers and their parents.

Reporter’s Notes: Bullying has become a particularly sensitive subject among students and parents in recent years. Along with anti-bullying legislation and public awareness, Rockstar Games has added another aspect to the debate with its new game. While it’s clear that some factions are very unhappy with the prospect of the game’s release, there’s no doubt that the controversy has increased people’s awareness — would I have put together this podcast if it weren’t for the protests? (Probably not.) So I’ll go out on a limb here and say the game will ultimately be released in the United States with a mature rating and will be flying off store shelves come October. The publicity Bully has received, whether positive or negative can only help sales of the game.

Tags: Bully, Jayne Hitchcock, Justin Goldberg, National Coalition Against Censorship, Rockstar Games, Working to Halt Online Abuse
 
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