Bully (video game)
| Bully | |
|---|---|
| Game cover | |
| Developer(s) | Rockstar Vancouver |
| Publisher(s) | Rockstar Games |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release |  : October 2006 : October 2006 |
| Genre(s) | Action / Adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single Player |
Bully is a video game under development by Rockstar Vancouver for Sony PlayStation 2 and is currently scheduled to be released in October 2006. An Xbox version was planned but has since been cancelled for undisclosed reasons [1]. The game takes place in a fictional reform school called Bullworth Academy. The title of the game is a reference both to the name of the school, Bullworth Academy, and to school bullying. The motto of the school - "Canis Canem Edit" - is Latin for "Dog Eat Dog".
A press release by Take Two Interactive, publishers of the game, states, "As a troublesome schoolboy, you'll laugh and cringe as you stand up to bullies, get picked on by teachers, play pranks on malicious kids, win or lose the girl, and ultimately learn to navigate the obstacles of the fictitious reform school, Bullworth Academy."
Early information released by Take Two Interactive seemed to indicate that the player would be taking the role of a bully, and screenshots printed in Electronic Gaming Monthly showed the player-controlled antagonist administering a "swirlie" and throwing a punch at another student. However, a new trailer in 2006 suggested this idea was abandoned and instead the player is in control of a new student Jimmy Hopkins standing up against bullies.
Overview
The story follows Jimmy Hopkins, a teenager who's been expelled from every school he's ever attended. Left to fend for himself after his mother abandons him at Bullworth to go on her fifth honeymoon, Jimmy has a whole year at Bullworth ahead of him, working his way up the social ladder of this demented institution of supposed learning, standing up for what he thinks is right and taking on the liars, cheats and snobs who are the most popular members of the student body and faculty. If Jimmy can survive the school year and outsmart his rivals, he could rule the school.
The released trailer shows Jimmy engaging in a wide variety of activities, running from bullies, dealing with teachers, and exploring the school. The game appears to be heavily story driven with a wide cast of both male and female characters, including a strict dean, popular cheerleaders, and faculties of varying personalities.
Controversy
While the game has yet to receive an ESRB rating, it has caused controversy among parents and educators. Criticisms are due to the adult nature of previous Rockstar games, in particular, Hot Coffee mod in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Groups such as Bullying Online and Peaceholics have criticized the game for glorifying or trivializing school bullying.
Jack Thompson, a Miami lawyer and video game critic, has filed a lawsuit attempting to have Bully blocked from store shelves in Florida, declaring it a "nuisance" and "Columbine simulator." The case does not yet have a court date set. He also argued this point on Attack of the Show along with Adam Sessler (with him on the opposite end) on the show's "The Loop." (The broadcast) Thompson has filed a petition with the 11th Judicial Circuit Court asking for Wal-Mart and Take-Two to furnish him with an advance copy of Bully so he can have "an independent third party" play the game and determine if it would constitute a public nuisance in the state of Florida (in which case it could be banned)[1][2].
In the United Kingdom, British Labour M.P Keith Vaz is trying to have the game banned as well [3].
In Belgium, a petition was started by 3 teachers to ban the game from the shelves. After the petition was closed with 32,000+ signatures, another petition was started in favor of the game.
References
- ^ Sinclair, Brendan (2006-08-16). "Thompson wants to get hands on Bully". GameSpot.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|accessyear=,|month=,|accessmonthday=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ Thompson, John B. "Verified petition to take deposition before action" (PDF). Ars Technica. Retrieved 2006-08-22.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|accessyear=,|month=,|accessmonthday=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ McCauley, Dennis (2005-12-02). "Brit MP Keeps Pushing Bully Around". GamePolitics.com.
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External links
- Official Bully Homepage
- Bully trailers
- Press Release by Take Two Interactive
- BBC News article about the controversy