Why Was Death Race Banned?
Introduction
Death Race, a classic arcade game developed by Exidy in 1976, was the first of its kind to spark controversy over its violent content. The game was based on the movie Death Race 2000, starring David Carradine, and involved players driving a car and running over pedestrians to earn points. The game’s graphic nature and violent gameplay led to its ban in several countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the ban and the impact it had on the gaming industry.
The Game’s Content
Death Race was a simple driving game where players controlled a car and had to run over pedestrians, known as "gremlins," to earn points. The game’s graphics were crude, with the cars and pedestrians being represented by simple shapes and colors. However, the game’s violent nature and the fact that the players had to run over innocent people sparked controversy and outrage.
The Controversy
The controversy surrounding Death Race was fueled by the game’s perceived violence and the fact that it was marketed towards children. Many parents and politicians felt that the game was promoting violence and encouraging children to engage in harmful behavior. The game’s graphic nature and the fact that it was available in arcades and stores further added to the controversy.
The Ban
As a result of the controversy, Death Race was banned in several countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The game was also criticized by many gaming organizations and advocacy groups, who felt that it was promoting violence and harming children.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
The ban on Death Race had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It led to a re-evaluation of the types of games that were being developed and marketed towards children. Many game developers and publishers began to focus on creating games that were more family-friendly and less violent.
Other Banned Games
Several other games were also banned or restricted due to their violent content. Some examples include:
- Super Mario Bros. (1985) – This classic platformer was banned in Germany due to its violent content, including the ability to jump on top of enemies and enemies being crushed by blocks.
- The Sims (2000) – This popular life simulation game was banned in several countries due to its graphic content, including the ability to simulate violence and other forms of harm.
- Grand Theft Auto (1997) – This popular open-world game was banned in several countries due to its graphic content, including the ability to simulate violence and other forms of harm.
Conclusion
Death Race was banned due to its violent content and the fact that it was marketed towards children. The game’s graphic nature and the fact that it was available in arcades and stores further added to the controversy. The ban on Death Race had a significant impact on the gaming industry, leading to a re-evaluation of the types of games that were being developed and marketed towards children.