James Delahunty
13 Apr 2008 3:45
Rockstar Games' popular title "Bully" has been banned in Brazil, the largest nation in Latin America, over fears the title is too violent for children or teenagers. Judge Flavio Rabello banned the game from being important, sold, distributed or promoted on websites and in stores in the country on Friday. Retailers now have 30 days to comply with the ban.
"The aggravating factor is that everything in the game takes place inside a school," Rio Grande do Sul state prosecutor Alcindo Bastos said. "That is not acceptable." JPF Maggazine is the main distributor for the title in Brazil, but did not comment on the ban or indicate in any way yet whether it wants to appeal or not.
The request for a ban of the game, which lets players act out the life of a 15-year-old student, came from a local youth support center. Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. spokesman Edward Nebb said the decision will "prevent Brazilian consumers from enjoying 'Bully: Scholarship Edition,' it will not have a material impact on the sales of this popular title."
The game was released initially for Sony's PlayStation 2 (PS2) console in October 2006, and was later released for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 console and Nintendo's Wii console.