Nintendo Won’t Release Holocaust DS Game [Update]

Earlier, we brought word of Imagination Is The Only Escape, a Holocaust DS game from British game dev Luc Bernard. The game follows a young Jewish boy living in France during the Nazi occupation during World War II. In order to escape the horrors around him, he imagines a fantasy land that becomes the basis of the game's world. The adventure platformer will attempt to educate players on the atrocities experienced by many children during the time of the Holocaust. Bernard previously told Kotaku, "The sad thing is that videogames are still considered toys and not art, I hope that this game can show that games can be just as important as films." Well, Nintendo's having none of that! According to Nintendo of America:

At this time, there are no plans for this game to be released for any Nintendo platforms in North America.

It is apparently getting a European release sometime this year. Note that the game features no on-screen violence, and from what we can tell doesn't seem to be dealing with a very serious issue in a flippant manner. Not sure if this says more where gaming stands as an art forum or as a medium of expression or where Nintendo of American stands as a company.

No Nazis [NY Times Thanks, Burton!]

Eds Note: We contacted the game's designer, Luc Bernard. He pointed out that Nintendo of America has yet to see the game and offered these insights into where it currently stands regarding release:

Well from what I was told, Nintendo Europe is also scared of it, but again I don't think they are trying to block the game, I think they are just scared that it has bad taste

that is why however I would like to say, that I don't think the game will be banned, once I have time to talk to Nintendo myself and show them the game they will change their mind.

ALten8 talks to them for me, however I will try and find a way to talk to Nintendo USA myself. I mean I doubt they would want to ban a educational game that is non violent, where to profits are going to help stop another genocide, this isn't just about the war this game, it's to try and teach children something so they don't end up racist.

I seriously don't think Nintendo will ban the game once I get to show it to them, I think also the reason they were shocked is because alten8 deals with Nintendo Europe and well they haven't even talked to Nintendo Europe yet about it since well they are scared that it pisses them off. I am currently developing the game no matter what people say, and I will let alot of people test the game before I even consider it finished, it needs to be PERFECT or I won't release it.

on another note Eternity's Child will be finished this month :) so soon up for release

Bernard also pointed out to Kotaku that Imagination Is The Only Escape isn't some publicity stunt to make him money, but rather an effort to raise awareness. All profits for the game will go to Darfur says Bernard.