Rape games to be banned in Japan
 

The Escapist : News : Rape Games Banned in Japan, For Real

Following an emergency meeting of the Ethics Organization of Computer Software it has been determined, apparently for real this time, that rape games will be banned in Japan - sort of.

The meeting involved almost 100 representatives of various eroge companies but Canned Dogs says there was "surprisingly little" opposition to the proposed ban, with most seemingly resigned to the fact that rule changes were inevitable. Instead, the attendees were more concerned with determining what would and would not be acceptable.

Specific guidelines weren't set and until they are the EOCS will work with game companies on an individual basis to monitor new releases. Tighter restrictions on packaging and game titles are expected to take effect almost immediately, however; Syrup Soft has already responded to the new regulations by changing the name of its upcoming game Gang Raped by the Entire Village ~Girls Covered in Milky Liquid~ to The Trap Set by the Entire Village ~Bodies Covered in Milky Liquid~. It's a subtle distinction, yes, but apparently adequate; in-game content will not be modified.

The EOCS, much like the ESRB in North America, is a voluntary organization, so these proposed changes won't actually be enshrined in Japanese law. It sounds like games that cross the line will be refused a rating by the agency instead, which may keep them out of "mainstream" Japanese retail outlets but won't prevent their creation or distribution. An outright ban on the games seems very unlikely; while the genre might seem odd or outrageous to most North American gamers, it's estimated to account for 10-20 percent of the Japanese PC game industry, enough to give it a considerable amount of clout in the decision-making process.

Not surprised it was going to happen sooner or later with the kind of attention these games have been getting overseas. I am not a fan of them so i have never played them but i have seen plenty of others and they can be pretty disturbing.

Rape games, only in Japan, haha.
Why ban them? In a way it's similar to banning games like Grand Theft Auto, which obviously is nonsense.

In a way yes but also in a way no. Violence for whatever reason even if its wrong is proven undeniable fact of almost any country. Even in Japan where crime is very low there still is crime and as little as it might be there is still violence these facts are accepted in every nation. But rape is universally scorned and to make a game that centers around it is very controversial even if you stamp an adult rating on it.

Even if you mention games like GTA some games stores ban it some countries ban it from even hitting their shores and even some states in the US have tried if not succeeded in banning the title. Its the same argument "does playing violent games make people commit violent crimes" or in this case "does playing a Rape based role sim make people go out and rape people"

Like i said this has been coming for years which is why there was little to non opposition to the ruling.

I have mixed feelings about this.


On one hand, it's a game. On the other hand, rape should never be taken as entertainment.


But seriously, all the guys who play the game are probably less likely to do it in reality-- and probably even less likely considering they are shy otaku.

I can't say I approve of them; rape shouldn't be presented in a positively sexualized way. There's been murmurs recently about rape in Japan as well- sure the crime rate for it is really low; lowest in the world even, but there's been some heavy criticism that it's only because there isn't a good enough support system for people to feel like they can report it and the real figures are much higher.

According to the site:
* Words such as "training" (調教) or "slave", among others, are not allowed in the title or packaging
* HCG (Hentai computer graphics) involving sexual violation cannot exceed 20% of a game's total HCG count (ie: can't try to build this up by having lots of everyday life CG events)
* Even if it's below 20%, anything that is promoting a criminal offense is not allowed
* Anything that promotes rape, confinement, stalking, domestic violence and portrays it in a way that the offender gains something out of it is not allowed
* New games that have already passed the review process by the EOCS are considered "safe" from this

Don't they have 'Rape' Clubs in Japan?

Surely that's more substantial than a computer game.