NEWS - Monday, October 30, 2006
Still Hope for Gears of War in Germany
A final decision has not been made regarding distribution of Gears of War in Germany,” a spokesperson said. “Microsoft is continuing to work very closely with all of our German partners, including the USK [the German rating board], to determine the best approach for the market and the title. We have no additional comment at this time.” An announcement earlier this month from Microsoft Germany indicated that the company would forego publishing Gears of War at all in the country after the USK refused to grant the game a rating because of its gory and violent content. A non-rating from the USK doesn’t equal an outright ban, but it does significantly limit sales, as unrated games aren’t displayed on store shelves, advertised or sent through the mail. The measures are taken in order to keep questionable games out of the hands of minors. Germany’s USK has become known for taking a hard stance against certain content. In July, the organization refused to give Capcom’s Xbox 360 game Dead Rising a rating because of its blood and gore. Gears of War is set to launch in North America and Europe next monthSource: http://www.next-gen.biz/
