The Darkness Trailer – ESRB is Watching
By Shawn on Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 2:39 PM PST In 2K Games, Game Companies, Games Industry
Along with the link to the latest The Darkness Multiplayer Trailer, I wanted to draw attention to the fact that we also got a notice from 2KGames titled: “Please read before viewing 2k’s newest trailer for The Darkness”. In the press notice the company goes to great length to inform the reader about the age gate regulations of content rated “M” or “Mature” by the ESRB. This is odd timing in that we’ve not usually received these sorts of notices.
In light of the recent request to remove the Dark Sector gameplay montage, could there be a new campaign by the ESRB to ensure publishers are demonstrating responsibility for the games they produce? The issue at large is that The Darkness is a Mature rated title is due to hit shelves this week and in the wake of Manhunt 2 could 2KGames be looking to be above reproach and avoid the public attention leveled at violent games right now?
It is merely speculation but there are a number of similarities between The Darkness and the recently removed Dark Sector gameplay. While the 2K title is less profoundly gory it covers similar acts by the player character. Here is the text of the warning we received:
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING TRAILER(S)
DATE – 6.21.2007The ESRB requires that all trailers for Mature (”M”) and Adults Only (”AO”) rated games be appropriately age-gated. Game publishers that do not comply with the age gate requirement are subject to enforcement actions by the ESRB.
All trailers for titles rated Mature (”M”) or Adults Only (”AO”) MUST be behind an ESRB compliant age-gate with NO EXCEPTIONS. If for any reason, you are unable to age-gate the trailer(s) listed below, you MUST contact (name removed) so that we may provide you with an edited version of the trailer that is compliant with ARC’s Principles and Guidelines.
The trailer(s) for the following titles MUST be behind an ESRB compliant age-gate:
Darkness Multiplayer TrailerThank you in advance for your cooperation in this regard, and please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
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